Victoria Duval diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Eighteen-year Victoria Duval has been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The young tennis star revealed this information on Friday.

“It is with a heavy heart that I will have to step away from tennis competition for a short period after being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma,” Duval said in a statement. “I received the news after my first round of qualifying at Wimbledon but decided to continue to compete. Being on court provided me with much comfort.

“I have complete faith that God will assist me and my family with all that we need, to achieve victory and become stronger from this journey. I intend to put up my best fight and have a full recovery. I picture myself healthy, stronger and competing again soon with even more appreciation for the game I so love. I am grateful in advance to my fans and friends for their support and positive thoughts while I will undergo my treatment and fight this battle.”

Duval won her first career main-draw match at Wimbledon last week and knew about the diagnosis earlier but still played through her three qualifying matches at the All England Club.

The diagnosis was known following a biopsy done prior to Wimbledon. Additional tests done in the US confirmed that she does have the condition.

Duval made an impression on tour as a 17-year old last season at the US Open after upsetting former champion Samantha Stosur.

“Vicky will undergo treatment right away, and due to her overall good health and isolation of the cancer, the prognosis is a full recovery in a few months,” her spokesman said.

Several tennis stars have expressed their concerns and well-wishes on Twitter and other social networking sites.