Tennis legend Chris Evert reveals ovarian cancer has returned for the third time

Tennis legend Chris Evert reveals ovarian cancer has returned for the third time

Chris Evert, the former world No. 1 and 18-time Grand Slam champion, announced Thursday that her ovarian cancer has returned for a third time. Evert, 71, stated she learned of the recurrence this past weekend following PET and CT scans.

The news comes as Evert prepares to step away from her professional obligations, including her lead analyst and commentator role for ESPN. She confirmed she will not attend Wimbledon this year, a tournament she won three times as a player, and will withdraw from other professional commitments over the next few months to prioritize her health.

"I have already undergone surgery as the first step in my treatment and recovery, and will begin chemotherapy in the coming weeks,"

Chris Evert, via Instagram

Evert described the disease as relentless but maintained that she will stay optimistic and determined in her fight. She expressed gratitude toward her family, friends, and medical team, noting that she looks forward to seeing everyone again soon.

A history of battle and advocacy

This diagnosis follows two previous bouts with the disease. Evert was first diagnosed with Stage 1C BRCA-related ovarian cancer in December 2021. This discovery occurred after she underwent a preventive hysterectomy, a decision made following the death of her younger sister, Jeanne Evert Dubin, who died of ovarian cancer in February 2020 at age 62.

After completing chemotherapy in May 2022, Evert shared that doctors were confident the disease would not return because it was caught early. While she shared in early 2023 that she was in remission, she revealed in December 2023 that the cancer had returned. During that second recurrence, she emphasized the importance of early detection, stating, I encourage everyone to know your family history and advocate for yourself. Early detection saves lives.

Evert has since become a vocal advocate for genetic testing and the BRCA gene test, which examines DNA for mutations linked to breast and ovarian cancer. In August 2024, she urged others to follow their instincts and visit doctors if something feels wrong, telling ABC's Good Morning America, Get it done regarding the tests.

Support from the tennis community

The announcement coincided with the recent release of the Netflix documentary Chris & Martina: The Final Set, which examines the careers and cancer battles of Evert and her former rival Martina Navratilova. Navratilova, who was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer and stage 1 throat cancer in January 2023 before being declared cancer-free, offered her support on Instagram.

"My friend Chrissie is a champion of champions and as such she will slay this monster again. We are all pulling for you, and know you will come out on the other side cancer free again- lots of love, m."

Martina Navratilova, via Instagram

Other professional players, including Donna Vekic, Ajla Tomljanovic, and Stan Wawrinka, also sent encouragement to the American legend.

Career achievements

Evert retired from professional tennis in September 1989 and was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1995. Her career totals include 18 Grand Slam singles titles: seven at the French Open, six at the US Open, three at Wimbledon, and two at the Australian Open. Additionally, she won three doubles championships, including two alongside Navratilova.

Having joined ESPN in 2011, Evert has spent over a decade as a primary voice for the four Grand Slam tournaments. She now enters a period of recovery, with chemotherapy scheduled to begin in the coming weeks.