Melissa Boyden on Epilepsy, Surgery and Tennis

When British tennis player Melissa Boyden was diagnosed with epilepsy at 15, she had little idea that a brain tumor was causing her seizures. Faced with life-changing surgery and the possibility that her tennis career could be over, she chose to take a chance on recovery.

Years later, Boyden is still competing professionally and pursuing her dream of reaching the world's top 100. Read about her challenges, recovery and the sacrifices required to keep chasing a career in professional tennis below.

When did you first find out you had epilepsy?

My parents actually went to the appointment with the doctors because I was busy training for tennis and didn't think I needed to go. I was practising in The Hague when they came to visit me and said, "We need to sit down and talk."

That's when they told me I had epilepsy. The first thing I asked was whether I'd still be able to drive. I can't really remember the first seizures I had.

Read more: Introduction to epilepsy

What was it like learning your seizures were being caused by a brain tumor?

It's a hard question because I was only 15 and didn't fully understand everything that was happening. When I heard about it, I was completely shocked and burst into tears. It was all so unexpected. But after that, I just accepted it and carried on with my life and my tennis.

Learn more: Epilepsy and brain tumors

The decision to undergo brain tumor surgery

It was very difficult. But my parents and I believed I could come back after the surgery. They told me it was better to have the operation than spend the rest of my life living with a brain tumor and epilepsy.

That's what convinced me to go ahead with it. There were no guarantees, but I decided to take the risk and have the surgery.

Find out more: Epilepsy treatment options

What was the toughest part of your recovery?

The hardest thing was not being allowed to do anything. I had to stay in bed and recover, which was really difficult because I'm always on my feet and doing something.

Even after I got out of hospital, I was only allowed to take a five-minute walk and that still felt tough. Spending weeks mostly reading, playing games and watching Netflix was a huge challenge for me.

Did your epilepsy history change the way you train or compete?

Fortunately, since the surgery I haven't had any problems on or off the court. I haven't had a seizure since the operation and I haven't needed to make any adjustments to my training because of it.

Financial reality of professional tennis

When I was living at home, my parents supported me tremendously. Alongside tennis, I also worked at Kruidvat, which was very flexible with my schedule, to help fund my career.

Tennis is a tough sport because there are so many ups and downs. One day you're playing great and the next day you're not. It's also very intense because you're training in the gym or on the court for five or six hours a day.

Then there's all the travelling, which means you're rarely at home. I do miss home sometimes.

How would you describe yourself

I'm a very active person and I always like to be doing something. I enjoy playing other sports and anything that involves being active. When I'm at home, I also like painting and drawing. And, like a lot of people, I enjoy relaxing with Netflix.

What goals are still driving you?

Reaching the top 100 would be a dream come true. A lot of my motivation comes from everything I've been through and from being told that I wouldn't be able to play tennis.

That's why it would be such a special milestone for me. It would show that all the hard work, setbacks and sacrifices were worth it.