New York, Aug 29
Nicole Gibbs was all even with the Wimbledon champion, a set away from a triumphant return to Grand Slam tennis. She couldn’t pull it off. Nor could she be too upset. Beating cancer was already the most important victory Gibbs was going to get this year, no matter what happened against No. 4 seed Simona Halep (in pic, left). “I’m definitely bummed out,” Gibbs said after her 6-3 3-6 6-2 loss.
“At the same time I think I do have a new perspective, that it’s not life and death out there. It’s a privilege to be on a court like that against a player like that. I was just really trying to soak up the moment.”
The 26-year-old American was diagnosed with a form of oral cancer after a visit to a new dentist in the spring.
She had surgery in May to remove the tumor, was found to be cancer-free and was able to return to tennis in time to prepare for US Open qualifying. She lost in the final round last week, but got into the main draw as a lucky loser.
