Murray, una dedica speciale (Telegraph)

7-1-2012

Mr Hutchins, who is a former doubles partner of Murray and who has played in seven Davis Cup ties for Britain, announced his condition yesterday.

Murray, who has in the past been criticised for his dour personality and lack of emotion, fought to maintain his composure as he wished his friend well in his fight against the disease.

Murray who beat Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov in the final of the tournament to successfully defend the title he won last year said: “I'd like to dedicate this victory to one of my best friends. He's back home watching and you're going to get through."

The 25-year-old Olympic and US Open champion also appeared to scrawl a message of support on one of the TV cameras as he left the court.

He appeared to write the word “Rosco”, thought to be a nickname for Mr Hutchins on the tennis circuit.

While he chose not to name Mr Hutchins, the 27-year-old doubles specialist, took to Twitter shortly afterwards to make the announcement of his health problems.

He wrote: “Happy New Year to all! Unfortunately I will be away from tennis for a while as I was recently diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

"I am doing well, very positive with excellent medical support, friends and family around me. Looking forward to being back on the court soon!"

Murray’s former coach Brad Gilbert also sent a message of support to Mr Hutchins on Twitter.

He wrote: “This is an opponent I am sure you can beat. Keep up the positive mojo like you do on the court – stay tough.”

Mr Hutchins, who was born in Wimbledon is currently ranked 28th in the world and has won five titles during he career.

A doubles specialist, he also used to partner Murray on the circuit and the pair became firm friends.

In 2011 the pair demonstrated their similarly mischievous sense of humour when they announced Mr Hutchins had joined Andy Murray’s coaching team.

The Scot told tennis fans that he had appointed the Londoner because he “needed another yes man” on his team.

The announcement was later revealed to have been an April Fool’s joke.

In a statement issued by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) on Mr Hutchins behalf, he said: “Over the Christmas period I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

"This came as a shock but I am ready to move forward with the necessary treatment. I have the best medical support at Royal Marsden and very close family and friends supporting me.

"I look forward to getting over this hurdle and getting back to the ATP Tour and full steam ahead with my tennis career."

His father Paul Hutchins is a former Davis Cup player and captain who also led the British team at last summer's London Olympics.

LTA chief executive Roger Draper said: "Everyone in British Tennis is behind Ross. He is a true ambassador for the sport both on an off the court, and I have no doubt he will overcome this setback.

"It's important that we give Ross and his family the privacy they need during this challenging time."