Being in the sun is just a side effect of being an athlete. But instead of getting their Vitamin D fill, tennis players have to contend with the harsh sunlight, full of harmful UV rays, directly on their exposed legs and arms, as well as face. And among the many affected by the extremes, Andy Roddick has been open about his battle with skin cancer. And now joining the bandwagon is someone who’s no stranger to cancer, although not of the skin type, Chris Evert.

Roddick is urging tennis players, both young and old, to diligently apply sunscreen as a preventative measure. He had a squamous cell tumor removed from his lip a few years ago, which was a wake-up call to the significance of sun protection. Even though he claims that his cancer is now behind him, getting regular treatments has become essential to his daily routine in order to stay healthy and serve as an example for others.

Just a few days ago, he stated, “Use sunscreen; put sunscreen on your kids, especially if they are tennis players. The problem won’t present itself when the kid is 8, but it might present itself when that kid is grown and is 38.”

Recently, after this caution notice was shared by a tennis journalist on Twitter, Evert shared the same post and wrote, “and this former tennis player has had melanoma as well…. from the sun… Lather up everyone!”

The story of Roddick’s experience should serve as a reminder to always wear sunscreen, and it’s good to see that the ATP and WTA Tours are starting to promote this idea. Players are supporting sunscreen companies more and more, which emphasizes the rising awareness of sun protection.

Interestingly, Madison Keys and Frances Tiafoe recently featured in a La Roche-Posay advertisement, while Jannik Sinner, the top ATP player in the world, has also obtained his own endorsement. He has had a long battle with cancer, having previously opened up about a tumor on his lip. Roddick felt obligated to share his story with his audience, providing a window into his ongoing struggle while keeping his normal, composed manner.

Andy Roddick’s struggle with lip tumor 

The 41-year-old tennis player from America has experienced skin cancer challenges in the past. He shared that he had surgery to remove a tumor on his lip a few years ago. “I had a squamous cell tumor taken out of my lip, probably like five or six years ago,” he said. He added that he hasn’t “ever talked about it” but felt it was time to open up.

Despite his struggles, Roddick maintained his self-assurance and pursued the right medical care to beat cancer. His battle with melanoma serves as a reminder of the dangers of skin cancer and the need for early detection. He wants to encourage people to prioritize their skin health and get frequent checkups from a doctor by sharing his tale.

Nevertheless, what are your thoughts on Roddick spreading awareness about skin cancer? Do let us know in the comment section below.