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.

"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."

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.

Australian Associated Press