Tennis icon Chris Evert has revealed that her ovarian cancer has returned, calling the illness “relentless” but insisting she will stay “positive”.
Evert, a former world No 1 and 18-time grand-slam champion, shared the news on Thursday, posting a statement on her social media.
“I have always believed in being open and honest about my health journey,” wrote the American, 71. “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. 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, who retired as a player in 1989, has worked as a pundit in recent years but will miss Wimbledon, the London grass-court grand slam where she was champion three times.
Evert also won two Australian Open titles, seven on the clay of Roland Garros, and six at her home slam: the US Open. Having also claimed one Wimbledon doubles title and two at Roland Garros, she is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.
After Evert’s sister Jeanne died of ovarian cancer, Evert underwent a preventive hysterectomy in 2022, having learned that she carried the BRCA gene mutation. That was when her cancer was first discovered.
Evert soon underwent chemotherapy and said she had been told by doctors that her cancer would very likely not return, as it had been caught early. However, the cancer returned in 2023, although it seemed she had overcome the illness again in 2024.
After her latest update, fellow great Martina Navratilova wrote 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.”
Multiple-time grand-slam champion Stan Wawrinka was among the other players to send encouragement to Evert, along with Donna Vekic and Ajla Tomljanovic.
