‘Filling in big shoes’: American Vicky Duval replaces injured Serena Williams and seizes opportunity

Vicky Duval of the US hits a return against Elina Svitolina of Ukraine during their third session women's singles match on Day 2 of the Hopman Cup tennis tournament in Perth on January 4, 2016. AFP PHShow more

Having battled and overcome cancer, American tennis player Vicky Duval is just happy to grab any time on court she can and the world No 656 got a chance in the Hopman Cup on Monday.

Big chance

The 20-year-old Haiti-born Duval gratefully accepted an unlikely opportunity at the mixed team Hopman Cup in Perth when world No 1 Serena Williams was struck down with inflammation of the knee.

As first reserve, Duval was delighted to fill in for her revered compatriot, even as she lost 6-4, 6-1 to world No 19 Elina Svitolina of Ukraine.

Doubles victory

The Eastern Europeans won the tie after Alexandr Dolgopolov beat Jack Sock 6-4, 6-2 but a beaming Duval recovered to score a win by teaming up with Sock to take the doubles 6-2, 6-3 and said the experience had been a good one.

“It was amazing. I was kind of nervous because I was filling in big shoes. But I had a really fun time today,” Duval said.

Back to the sideline

The American is expected to revert back to the sidelines for her country's next tie today night against Australia with Williams’s knee expected to be up to the task.

Duval, previously tutored by legendary coach Nick Bollettieri, has no problem with the role, her perspective on life completely different after she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma ahead of Wimbledon in 2014.

Battle against illness

The gutsy American, who reached a career high 87th in the rankings in 2014, overcame the distressing news to make the second round of the grass court championships in London before achieving her most important victory – beating cancer.

Embracing second chance

“This illness is behind me now. I'm just grateful I went through it really well,” she said.

“I have a whole new outlook on life. I really appreciate the time I have out on the court. I'm just really grateful to be back and do what I love.”

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