January 8, 2013 — It was a heartfelt and tear-filled victory speech by Andy Murray in Brisbane this past week which revealed he had a “sick friend” for which he dedicated his win to.
“I’d like to dedicate this victory to one of my best friends. He’s back home watching. You’re going to get through it,” Murray said.
A few hours later, it was revealed that the friend in reference was fellow ATP player, occasional doubles partner and Davis Cup teammate, Ross Hutchins, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma last month.
Happy New Year to all!Unfortunately I will be away from tennis for a while as I was recently diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma..
— Ross Hutchins (@RoscoHutchins) January 6, 2013
I am doing well, very positive with excellent medical support,friends and family around me. Looking forward to being back on the court soon!
— Ross Hutchins (@RoscoHutchins) January 6, 2013
Just today, Hutchins expressed his gratitude of the support he has been receiving from all around the world.
Thank you to everyone for your overwhelming support and kind messages, I really appreciate it! Thank you for the encouragement..
— Ross Hutchins (@RoscoHutchins) January 8, 2013
..And to all who shared their experiences of Hodgkind Lymphoma. Your messages have filled me with extra desire to overcome this challenge..
— Ross Hutchins (@RoscoHutchins) January 8, 2013
In 2011, former top 20 WTA player Alisa Kleybanova was similarly diagnosed with Hodgkin’s, and while she attempted a brief comeback in Miami in March last year, her stamina was shaken and she has not returned to competitive play since.
Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a cancer of the disease-fighting white blood cells in our bodies, and can be treated with radiation, chemotherapy and stem cell transplants depending on the subtype of the disease. The cause is still largely unknown, but prognosis is generally very good.
Hutchins will begin treatment shortly and is aiming for a return to competitive play at the 2014 Australian Open.
In the mean time, players, coaches and fans rallied in support of “Rosco,” sending him positive thoughts and well wishes via Twitter:
Say a prayer for @Roscohutchins,found out today he is battling cancer, has promised to be back on court fast and strong like the bull he is.
— Mahesh Bhupathi (@Maheshbhupathi) January 7, 2013
My thoughts are with Ross Hutchins as he battles Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Sending you good thoughts from LA Rosco. Tennis world has your back…
— Mardy Fish (@MardyFish) January 7, 2013
All the best to @RoscoHutchins … You will beat that thing! Wishing you a speedy recovery, we miss you!
— J Melzer (@jojomelzer) January 7, 2013
@RoscoHutchins best positive thoughts for you.
— Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (@tsonga7) January 7, 2013
@RoscoHutchins rosco stay strong my friend!!we all hope to see you back on court soon!! It's a battle in which we are all on your side!!
— Sergiy Stakhovsky (@Stako_tennis) January 6, 2013
@RoscoHutchins We are all praying for you Ross!!! Sending you lots of love and positive thoughts… You will get through this, be strong!!!
— TamiraPaszek (@tamira1990) January 7, 2013
@RoscoHutchins all the best to you with your recovery! This is a true "one point at-a-time" kind of battle!
— Amer Delic (@AmerDelic) January 6, 2013
@roscohutchins this is an opponent I am sure you can beat. Keep up the positive mojo like you do on the court – stay tough!
— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) January 6, 2013
@RoscoHutchins all the best to you…you will get through it!!!
— Jule Goerges (@juliagoerges) January 7, 2013
@RoscoHutchins My thoughts with you Ross!!! I know everything will be fine! Hugs
— A. Pavlyuchenkova (@NastiaPav) January 7, 2013
Praying and sending all thoughts to @RoscoHutchins …You will do it Ross!!!
— Elena Vesnina (@EVesnina001) January 7, 2013
I would like to wish @RoscoHutchins a fast recover. All my thoughts are with you. I hope you get back on tour soon. All the best my friend.
— Bruno Soares (@BrunoSoares82) January 6, 2013
@RoscoHutchins wishing you all the best and strong recovery with support from our entire @adidastennis team! ^SG
— Sven Groeneveld (@tennis_sven) January 8, 2013
Praying for @roscohutchins who I just found out is battling cancer.lots of positive energy coming your way,u will fight thru this Ross..love
— Sania Mirza (@MirzaSania) January 7, 2013
@RoscoHutchins Hang in there my friend! You can beat this thing!! Praying for you.. #brave #IDEMOOO #tennisFamily
— DUŠAN VEMIĆ (@dusanVemic) January 7, 2013
@RoscoHutchins hang in there buddy. We are all thinking about and praying for you
— Justin Gimelstob (@justingimelstob) January 6, 2013
@RoscoHutchins Wishing you a speedy recovery!!
— Lisa Raymond (@lisaraymond73) January 6, 2013
@RoscoHutchins hutchy.. Will be praying for you mate..
— Prakash Amritraj (@PrakashAmritraj) January 6, 2013
@RoscoHutchins Nothing but good wishes for you buddy !! from the whole tour!!
— Somdev Devvarman (@SomdevD) January 8, 2013
@RoscoHutchins We are all behind you and sending you lots of positive energy! You will win this match!
— Sofia Arvidsson (@Sofia_Arvidsson) January 7, 2013
@RoscoHutchins You’re going to get through it, get well soon !
— Jonathan Eysseric (@joneysseric) January 7, 2013
@RoscoHutchins Get well Ross! Wish you fast recovery
— Ivan Ljubicic (@theljubicic) January 6, 2013
@RoscoHutchins so sorry to hear that Ross!!wishing you all the best for a speedy recovery x
— Elena (@ElenaBaltacha) January 6, 2013
We would like to join in support of Ross and wish him well during this trying time. Stay positive and fight on!
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