'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/4AAQSkZJRgABAQAAAQABAAD/2wCEAAMDAwMDAwQEBAQFBQUFBQcHBgYHBwsICQgJCAsRCwwLCwwLEQ8SDw4PEg8bFRMTFRsfGhkaHyYiIiYwLTA+PlQBAwMDAwMDBAQEBAUFBQUFBwcGBgcHCwgJCAkICxELDAsLDAsRDxIPDg8SDxsVExMVGx8aGRofJiIiJjAtMD4+VP/AABEIAAUACgMBIgACEQEDEQH/xABgAAEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABQcQAAIBBAEFAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEDAgAEBREGEhQjMnEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYHEQACAgMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMRACFBsf/aAAwDAQACEQMRAD8Aw/juLTa49a1kBVxG37hfRAhnlER7A6I3vYqrecQx67t8IsaBFswAJEDQP2lKoUcEKs9IuyCddqvBieJFKKCAaGf/2Q=='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Tennis icon Martina Navratilova is back in a broadcasting role at the Miami Open 2023 after beating cancer for the second time.
The former World No. 1 has been undergoing treatment for the past four months for Stage 1 throat and breast cancer. While the doctors have given her a clean bill of health, she will continue to receive preventative radiation treatment.
In a short interview with former player and co-commentator Mark Petchey for the Tennis Channel, Navratilova shared her enthusiasm at being healthy enough to start working again.
"It's great to be back. I was so nervous coming here, so excited. I was hoping to come in in Indian Wells but it worked out pretty well for me and Im thrilled to be here. So happy to be working," she said. "How many people can say that! Im thrilled to be working! Its good to be back."
The 18-time Grand Slam champion first battled cancer back in 2010 from which she completely recovered after undergoing radiation treatment.
Earlier this year, she disclosed that she was diagnosed with the disease once again. She noticed an enlarged lymph node in her neck that was later diagnosed as throat and breast cancer. Since then, the American icon has been sharing updates of her treatment on social media.
The record 9-time Wimbledon winner has been forthcoming in the details of her experience as she went through her treatment and believes that it will help people in similar situations and create awareness.
Martina Navratilova expresses heartfelt gratitude to the tennis community for their support when she fought cancer
In the same interview, Mark Petchey asked Martina Navratilova what it meant to receive the kind of support that she has had over the past few months. The 66-year-old stated that while she has received a lot of support from her fans on social media, the tennis world has particularly come through for her.
"I've had great support from my Twitter world but the tennis world has come through with flying colors," she said.
She became emotional as she recalled the love that everyone sent her way through different mediums and expressed her heartfelt gratitude to her colleagues at the Tennis Channel.
"I cannot tell you how many people have been texting me, calling me, emailing me, its just been overwhelming. Sending me flowers, everybody at the tennis channel and everybody, everywhere really, it's been amazing," Martina Navratilova said.
Mark Petchey then proceeded to embrace a misty-eyed Navratilova, who shared a warm smile in response. The duo will be part of an accomplished team covering matches at the Miami Open, which is currently underway.
