Tributes have poured in from the tennis community after one of Britain’s top doubles players revealed he has cancer.

Ross Hutchins, who was born in Wimbledon and attended King’s College School, told fans this weekend he is suffering from Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer of the white blood cell.

The 27-year-old said on social networking website Twitter: "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."

Hodgkin's lymphoma is cancer of the white blood cell found in the lymphatic system, the network of vessels and glands spread throughout the body.

One of Hutchins's friends, Scottish star Andy Murray, dedicated his singles triumph in the Brisbane International yesterday to him.

In an emotional victory speech, the Olympic champion did not mention Hutchins by name but said: "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."

The Lawn Tennis Association’s chief executive, Roger Draper, said: "Everyone in British tennis is behind Ross.

"He is a true ambassador for the sport, both on and 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."

Hutchins is the son of former British Davis Cup captain Paul Hutchins and made his debut in the competition in 2008.

He has won five ATP tour titles in his career and won the silver medal in the men’s doubles at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.