British tennis player Ross Hutchins has been diagnosed with cancer and says he hopes to return to the circuit before the end of the year after six months of chemotherapy.

The 27-year-old Hutchins has Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer of the white blood cells.

“I have been staying very positive, and looking forward to getting back on court,” said Hutchins, who won titles in Eastbourne and Delray Beach in 2012 with doubles partner Colin Fleming and also reached two other finals.

Close friend Andy Murray dedicated his victory at the season-opening Brisbane International to Hutchins, although at the time he declined to name him.

“It brought a tear to my eye. He has been very involved talking to me every day, with lots of encouragement,” Hutchins said.