Mark Selby talks candidly about the devastating cancer diagnosis of his wife and the passing of a close friend.
After being candid about his personal struggle with mental health over the previous two years, four-time world champion Selby acknowledged that he thought about taking a sabbatical from the game. He disclosed that he had been struggling with depression, but Vikki received a cancer diagnosis not long after she won the English Open in December 2022.
Since then, she has healed, and the latest tests have “looked good,” but the Selby family has experienced yet another devastating loss following the death of a close friend from the same condition. In an interview with Metro, Selby said, “I’ve had a lot going on off the table, a few lapses from what I mentioned before with my mental health.” Just over a week ago, we received some unfavorable news. Dave, one of my closest friends, and his wife sadly lost their 44-year-old son to cancer. Her little kid is twelve years old.
Since she is Vikki’s best friend, the past two weeks have been extremely difficult. Her husband told me that she wouldn’t have wanted you to withdraw from the Grand Prix, so I should continue playing, but it’s been difficult. I was competing here in Leicester. You’re clearly always a little anxious because Vikki’s treatments and scans are approaching.
Vikki was evaluated and later diagnosed with cancer as a result of Nina’s original diagnosis, which may have saved her life because of the early care. Though she is still awaiting more information, preliminary tests are coming back positive, so it makes sense that the couple is having difficulties following the death of Vikki’s best friend.
In response to a question concerning his wife’s health, Selby said, “She’s good.” A few weeks ago, she underwent an ultrasound and mammography, and everything came out fine. We’re still awaiting the findings of the MRI that they performed on her, but the mammography and ultrasound seemed to be OK.