Martina Navratilova has been diagnosed with throat and breast cancer but the prognosis is described as ‘good’ as the tennis legend begins treatment

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova has been diagnosed with throat and breast cancer.

Navratilova, who had already undergone treatment for early-stage breast cancer in 2010, will not travel to the upcoming Australian Open as she had to work as a television pundit.

The 66-year-old said: “This double whammy is serious but still fixable, and I’m hoping for a favorable outcome. It’s going to stink for a while but I’m going to fight with everything I have.

Navratilova, who has won 59 Grand Slam singles and doubles titles, has a “good” prognosis, according to her rep.

“Martina Navratilova has been diagnosed with stage one throat cancer,” the statement read. “The prognosis is good and Martina will start her treatment this month.

“The type of cancer is HPV and this particular type responds very well to treatment. Martina noticed an enlarged lymph node in her neck during the WTA Finals in Fort Worth. When it didn’t go down, a biopsy was done, the results came back as stage one throat cancer.

“At the same time as Martina was undergoing the throat tests, a suspicious form was found in her breast, which was later diagnosed as cancer, unrelated to throat cancer.

“Both cancers are in their early stages with excellent results. Martina will not be covering the Australian Open for Tennis Channel from their studio but hopes to be able to participate from time to time via Zoom.

Navratilova was the dominant force in women’s tennis in the 1980s, winning 18 Grand Slam singles titles during a glittering career.

She enjoyed even more success in doubles, winning 31 Grand Slam titles.