Murray's Davis Cup team mate Hutchins fighting cancer

Andy Murray (right) and Ross Hutchins (left) of the United Kingdom during a Davis Cup doubles match in Liverpool on September 19, 2009. Hutchins, a close friend of Murray, revealed he has been diagnosed with a form of cancer.

LONDON - British tennis player Ross Hutchins, a close friend of world number three Andy Murray, revealed on Sunday that he has been diagnosed with a form of cancer.

“Happy New Year to all! Unfortunately I will be away from tennis for a while as I was recently diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma..” he wrote on Twitter.

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

A tearful Murray appeared to dedicate his success at the Brisbane International on Sunday to Hutchins, saying: “I’d like to dedicate this victory to one of my best friends.

“He’s back home watching — you’re going to get through it.”

Hutchins, 27 and ranked number 28 in the world in doubles, is Murray’s Davis Cup team-mate and former doubles partner.