Tennis legend Chris Evert reveals ‘relentless’ ovarian cancer has returned for third time
Tennis legend Chris Evert announced that her ovarian cancer has returned for the third time in an emotional statement.
The 18-time Grand Slam winner, 71, who has battled the disease previously in 2021 and 2023, shared that she will be taking a step back from her professional commitments as she begins chemotherapy.
Evert was diagnosed with ovarian cancer again this week after undergoing an exploratory surgery following an abnormal CT scan.
‘I have always believed in being open and honest about my health journey,’ she said. ‘This past weekend, after undergoing CT and PET scans, I learned that my ovarian cancer has returned.’
Evert was scheduled to attend Wimbledon, which begins this week, but following her heartbreaking diagnosis will no longer be in attendance at the Grand Slam tournament in London.
‘I have already undergone surgery as the first step in my treatment and recovery, and will begin chemotherapy in the coming weeks,’ she continued.
Tennis legend Chris Evert, pictured at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 10, announced that her ovarian cancer has returned for a third time
The 18-time Grand Slam winner, 71, has battled the disease previously in 2021 and 2023
‘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.
‘I am deeply grateful to my medical team, my family, friends and everyone who has reached out with kindness and encouragement. I look forward to seeing everyone again soon.’
Evert was first diagnosed with stage 1 BRCA-related ovarian cancer in December of 2021. She completed chemotherapy in May of 2022, telling the public that her doctor was confident that the disease would not return because it was caught early.
In early 2023, the three-time Wimbledon champion shard that she was in remission. However, just months later she revealed that her cancer had returned.
‘While this is a diagnosis I never wanted to hear, I once again feel fortunate that it was caught early,’ she said in a December 2023 statement. ‘I encourage everyone to know your family history and advocate for yourself. Early detection saves lives. Be thankful for your health this holiday season.’
Her initial cancer diagnosis, which came in January of 2022, came two years after Evert lost her sister to the disease.
Her sister, Jeanne Evert Dubin, died from ovarian cancer in February 2020 at age 62.
‘Be your own advocate. Know your family’s history. Have total awareness of your body, follow your gut and be aware of changes,’ Evert said in 2022. ‘Don’t try to be a crusader and think this will pass.’
More to follow.
