Carla Navarro claimed her first win after recovering from cancer, as she defeated Ons Jabeur, the Tunisia tennis professional, in the first round.
The former six on the world has been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in Sep. 2020, but returned to the game through the French Open, Roland Garros, and Wimbledon. She faced Ashleigh Barty, who beat her with three sets.
Joining her fourth championship, Navarro won her first game in the Olympics, as she beat the Tunisia international, Ons Jabeur, who reached the Wimbledon quarter-final with two sets 6-4, 6-1.
The 32-year-old stated, “I am thrilled. For me, it was tough all these months. I was so happy on the court and I really enjoyed this week.”
She expressed her delight and how important this win is, as she underwent a long recovery journey.
“This is an extraordinary event for me, for us, for everyone,” said Navarro, “I am really happy for my first win after the comeback.”
The cancer-fighter is planning to leave the game soon, especially after the US Open in New York, hoping to reach far in the championship. Suarez Navarro will meet Karolina Pliskova, Wimbledon runner-up, in the next round in the Olympics 2020.
“It was difficult, but I was practising a lot. I was trying to win at Roland Garros and Wimbledon but it was not possible,” stated Suarez.
“But here I am feeling perfect, and I played a perfect match today, and I am looking forward to the next one.”
