Pamela Laufer-Ukeles returns to tennis after 20 years and a battle with breast cancer

Pamela Laufer-Ukeles, a 50-year-old law professor, has returned to competitive tennis after a 20-year hiatus and a battle with triple-negative breast cancer. Diagnosed in 2019 at age 43, she underwent extensive treatment, which prompted her to seek physical activity and regain trust in her body. She began playing tennis again around 2020, initially casually, then competitively, training frequently and participating in Masters tournaments. Laufer-Ukeles views tennis as a way to reconnect with herself and her physical capabilities, stating, "It reminded me of my ability to count on my body and have trust in my body." She achieved significant success, winning silver in singles and bronze in doubles at her first Maccabiah Games just a year after completing cancer treatment, and later earned another bronze at the 2026 Maccabiah. She is now preparing for Sharsheret's upcoming tennis tournament, an event that merges her passion for the sport with her experience as a cancer survivor.