Chris Evert, the 71-year-old tennis legend and three-time Wimbledon champion, announced that her ovarian cancer has returned for a third time. She will miss this year’s tournament and step back from her broadcasting work to focus on treatment.
On Thursday, June 25, Evert shared the news on Instagram after CT and PET scans over the weekend confirmed the recurrence. She has already had surgery and plans to start chemotherapy in the coming weeks.
Chris Evert Announces Third Ovarian Cancer Recurrence
“I have always believed in being open and honest about my health journey,” Evert wrote. “This past weekend, after undergoing CT and PET scans, I learned that my ovarian cancer has returned. I have already undergone surgery as the first step in my treatment and recovery, and will begin chemotherapy in the coming weeks.
“Because of this, I will not be attending Wimbledon this year, and I will step back from my professional commitments over the next few months to focus on my health. Ovarian cancer is relentless, but I will stay optimistic and determined in continuing to fight this battle.”
Evert was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer in December 2021. She has spoken publicly about her treatment and recovery since then. The former world No. 1 said she remains hopeful of making a full recovery.
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A major force in women’s tennis during the 1970s and 1980s, Evert won 18 Grand Slam singles titles.
Only Serena Williams with 23 and Steffi Graf with 22 have more in the Open era. She claimed the Wimbledon title in 1974, 1976, and 1981, and reached the final there on several other occasions.
Known for her powerful baseline game and consistency, Evert held the No. 1 ranking for 260 weeks during her career.
Why Chris Evert Will Miss Wimbledon This Year
Since retiring in 1989, she has stayed involved in the sport as a television pundit, including regular work for the BBC and ESPN during the Wimbledon fortnight.
This year, she was scheduled to cover the grass-court Grand Slam for ESPN.
“Our thoughts are with our ESPN tennis colleague Chris Evert as she deals with this personal health issue,” said Mike McQuade, ESPN executive vice president of production.
“We will certainly miss her at Wimbledon and wish her all the best. We look forward to having her back with us whenever she feels ready to return.”
How Evert’s Health Journey Has Raised Ovarian Cancer Awareness
Evert’s openness about her health has drawn praise from fans and fellow players over the years. Her 2021 diagnosis came after she urged others to pay attention to symptoms and family history.
Ovarian cancer is often called a silent killer because early symptoms can be easy to miss. Evert has used her platform to raise awareness since her first battle with the disease.
The news comes as Wimbledon prepares to begin in early July. The All England Club has become a familiar place for Evert both as a player and later as a commentator.
Support Pours In From the Tennis Community
Tennis fans reacted quickly to her announcement, sending messages of support across social media.
Many remembered her battles with Navratilova through the 70s and 80s, a rivalry that helped to define women’s tennis.
The two players pushed each other to greater heights and developed a close friendship after their playing days.
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On clay courts, Evert was nearly unbeatable at times, winning the French Open seven times. Her rivalry with Navratilova produced some of the most memorable matches in the sport’s history, including several epic Wimbledon finals.
Evert has also been active off the court in charity work and tennis development. She founded the Evert Tennis Academy in Florida and has supported various causes, including cancer research, in recent years.
In her latest post, Evert thanked her medical team, family, friends, and everyone who has offered encouragement. She said she looks forward to returning once her treatment is complete.
