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Fans pay tribute after tennis champion's cancer revelation

Former French Open champion Francesca Schiavone has revealed she has been battling cancer for the majority of the year.

The 39-year-old Italian, who beat Samantha Stosur to win the 2010 French Open final, posted a short video on social media detailing her treatment against a malignant tumour and hopes for a return to the sport as a coach.

"Hi everyone, upon 7-8 (months) of silence from social media and from the world, I wish to share with you what happened to me," Schiavone said in an accompanying written message on Twitter.

2010 French Open champion Francesca Schiavone says she has overcome a months-long cancer battle. Pic: Twitter/Getty
2010 French Open champion Francesca Schiavone says she has overcome a months-long cancer battle. Pic: Twitter/Getty

"A cancer had been diagnosed to me. I did chemotherapy, I fought a tough battle and now I am still breathing.

"I have won this fight. And now I am back in action."

An extremely popular player during her time on the professional women's circuit, Schiavone's news was met with an outpouring of support from fans.

During the video clip in Italian, Schiavone spoke of her determination to face "new projects", having retired from the sport in September 2018.

She added: "We will meet again soon. I am happy with what I am today."

Schiavone, a former world No.4 also reached the quarter-finals of the US Open twice as well as the last eight at Wimbledon during 2009 and the 2011 Australian Open.

With AAP