( CNN ) -- Russian tennis star Alisa Kleybanova has released a statement confirming she has been diagnosed with cancer . Kleybanova , who is ranked 28th in the world , chose her 22nd birthday to reveal that she is suffering from Hodgkin 's Lymphoma . In the statement , which was published on the official WTA Tour website , Kleybanova said : `` It 's not an easy time for me right now . I 've been a bit unlucky with my health . I have Hodgkin 's lymphoma , a form of cancer . '' She continued : `` I 've been having treatment in Italy and it has been going well , but it takes lots of patience and I 've had to be really strong to go through this . `` The good news is after I have treatment for a few more months , if I feel well , there 's a chance I 'll be able to play tennis again . '' The statement added : `` There are a few reasons I 'm undergoing treatment in Italy . First , I have a training base and many close friends here , so it 's like home . `` Secondly , they have a really great hospital here that specializes in this problem . I 've been going there since the problem started , so the doctors know me well . It 's the best place for me to be , the surroundings help me stay strong , '' she added . Kleybanova , who has won two WTA Tour titles -- at Kuala Lumpur in 2010 and in Seoul in 2008 -- went on to say : `` I am a strong person . I 've shown it before . `` Obviously this is different than anything I 've ever experienced , this is the toughest time in my life , and I hope it always stays the toughest time in my life . `` I 'm sure I 'll be able to overcome this -- it 's just a matter of patience and time . When this is over , everything will be even better than it was before . '' Kleybanova , whose best grand slam performances came at Wimbledon in 2008 and the 2009 Australian Open , has already been inundated with messages of support from her fellow-players . Germany 's Julia Gorges wrote on her Twitter site : `` girl i wish u all the best '' , while Britain 's Laura Robson also tweeted : `` Wishing Alisa Kleybanova all the best as she battles Hodgkin 's Lymphoma . Will miss her on Tour , great player and lovely person . '' Meanwhile , the WTA also released a statement , adding : `` The thoughts of the WTA and the entire tennis family are with Alisa and her family at this difficult time . `` Alisa is a very strong and optimistic person and we wish her a speedy and full recovery . ''
Russian tennis player Alisa Kleybanova reveals she has a form of cancer . The 22-year-old is undergoing treatment in Italy for Hodgkin 's Lymphoma . The world number 28 has won two WTA Tour titles during her career .