Tennis icon Chris Evert has revealed that her ovarian cancer has returned for the second time, sharing the heartbreaking news in an emotional social media post on Thursday. The Hall of Famer confirmed she will not be appearing at Wimbledon 2025 as a commentator for ESPN, choosing instead to step away from her professional obligations to prioritize her health and recovery.
In her candid statement, Evert explained that she learned over the weekend, following CT and PET scans, that the disease had resurfaced. She has already undergone surgery as the first phase of her treatment and is preparing to begin chemotherapy in the coming weeks. Her openness about this deeply personal battle has once again drawn attention to the realities of living with recurrent ovarian cancer, a diagnosis that affects thousands of women each year.
Evert’s Emotional Announcement on Social Media
Chris Evert took to Instagram and X to share her diagnosis with the world, staying true to the transparency she has championed throughout her health journey. The 18-time Grand Slam champion expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support she has received and reaffirmed her determination to face this latest chapter with strength.
“I have always believed in being open and honest about my health journey,” Evert wrote. “Ovarian cancer is relentless, but I will stay optimistic and determined in continuing to fight this battle.”
Her message struck a chord with fans and fellow athletes alike, many of whom flooded the comments with messages of love, encouragement, and admiration for her courage. Evert specifically thanked her medical team, family, and friends, acknowledging that their support has been essential as she navigates yet another round of treatment.
Why She’s Stepping Away from Wimbledon
Evert, who serves as a tennis analyst for ESPN, had been scheduled to work as a commentator at this year’s Wimbledon tournament, which runs from June 29 to July 12 in London. However, given the demands of her upcoming treatment and recovery, she made the difficult decision to withdraw from the event.
In her statement, Evert explained that she would be stepping back from her professional commitments for the next several months to focus entirely on her health. For tennis fans, her absence from the broadcast booth will be deeply felt. Evert has become one of the most respected voices in tennis commentary, known for her sharp analysis and warm personality that connects with audiences around the world.
A History of Resilience
This is not the first time Chris Evert has faced a cancer recurrence. The former world No. 1 was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer in late 2022, a discovery that came as a result of preventive surgery. Genetic testing later revealed she carried the BRCA gene variant, which significantly increases the risk of both breast and ovarian cancers. This information proved critical, as it led her sister, Jeanne Evert Dubin, to seek testing, ultimately saving her life before she passed away from the same disease in 2020.
Evert announced she was cancer-free in early 2023 but received a second diagnosis just under a year later. She revealed once again that she had beaten the disease in July 2024, giving hope to many who follow her journey closely. The latest recurrence marks her third encounter with ovarian cancer, underscoring just how challenging and unpredictable this form of the disease can be.
The Chris Evert Ovarian Cancer Journey: A Timeline
- Late 2022: First diagnosed with Stage 1 ovarian cancer following preventive surgery
- Early 2023: Announced she was cancer-free after treatment
- Late 2023/Early 2024: Received a second diagnosis of ovarian cancer
- July 2024: Shared that she was cancer-free once again
- June 2025: Revealed a third recurrence and announced surgery, with chemotherapy to follow
Throughout her ongoing battle, Evert has used her platform to raise awareness about ovarian cancer, encouraging women to be proactive about their health and to consider genetic testing if they have a family history of the disease.
Understanding Ovarian Cancer and Its Challenges
Ovarian cancer is often called the “silent killer” because its symptoms can be subtle and easily mistaken for less serious conditions. Common warning signs include bloating, pelvic pain, difficulty eating, and frequent urination. Because these symptoms are often vague, ovarian cancer is frequently diagnosed at a later stage, making treatment more complex.
For women like Evert who carry the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, the risk of developing ovarian cancer is significantly elevated. Preventive surgeries, such as the removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes, can dramatically reduce this risk. Evert’s own preventive surgery in 2022 was what led to the initial discovery of her cancer at an early, more treatable stage.
The recurrence of ovarian cancer is unfortunately common, particularly in cases where the disease is diagnosed at a more advanced stage. Treatment typically involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies, with ongoing monitoring to detect any signs of the disease returning.
A Bond Forged Through Shared Adversity: Evert and Navratilova
One of the most touching elements of Evert’s recent public appearances has been her deepening friendship with longtime rival turned close friend, Martina Navratilova. The two tennis legends, who defined women’s tennis throughout the 1970s and 1980s, have both faced cancer battles in retirement, drawing them even closer together.
Navratilova was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010 and later faced a second diagnosis of throat and breast cancer in 2023. She is now cancer-free and has been a pillar of support for Evert throughout her journey. In a recent interview with “Good Morning America,” the two sat down together and spoke openly about how their shared health struggles had transformed their relationship.
“It has brought our friendship to another level because of the support and the care that we had for each other,” Evert said during the interview. Their candid conversation resonated with viewers, highlighting the importance of having a strong support system when facing serious illness.
Celebrating a Legendary Tennis Career
Beyond her current health battle, it’s important to remember the extraordinary legacy Chris Evert has built on the tennis court. She made her major tournament debut at just 16 years old at the 1971 U.S. Open at Forest Hills, becoming the youngest semifinalist in the tournament’s history. She lost that match to the legendary Billie Jean King, who would go on to win the championship.
Evert went on to capture 18 Grand Slam titles over the course of her illustrious playing career, cementing her status as one of the greatest players of all time. She held the world No. 1 ranking for an astonishing 260 weeks, placing her fourth on the all-time list behind Steffi Graf, Navratilova, and Serena Williams.
Known for her consistency, mental toughness, and two-handed backhand, Evert revolutionized the game and inspired generations of players. She retired from professional tennis in 1989 and was rightfully inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1995.
Evert’s Legacy Beyond Tennis
After retiring from competitive play, Evert seamlessly transitioned into broadcasting, where she has become a beloved figure in the tennis world. Her articulate analysis, warmth, and deep understanding of the game have made her a fan favorite at major tournaments. Her current absence from Wimbledon will leave a noticeable void, but her health must remain the top priority.
The Outpouring of Support
Since Evert shared her news, the tennis community and beyond have rallied behind her. Fellow players, coaches, journalists, and fans have flooded social media with messages of encouragement. Her openness about living with recurrent cancer has once again sparked important conversations about the disease, the importance of early detection, and the emotional toll of facing a cancer diagnosis multiple times.
Evert has been a tireless advocate for cancer awareness, often speaking about the importance of genetic testing and listening to one’s body. Her willingness to share her story publicly has undoubtedly helped countless women feel less alone in their own battles.
Looking Ahead: What Comes Next for Chris Evert
As Chris Evert begins her latest round of treatment, including surgery and upcoming chemotherapy, her focus is squarely on healing. While she steps back from her broadcasting duties and public appearances, she remains hopeful about the future and determined to emerge from this battle stronger than before.
Her story is a powerful reminder that even the strongest among us face vulnerabilities, and that courage, transparency, and a strong support network can make all the difference in overcoming life’s greatest challenges. The tennis world, along with her millions of fans worldwide, will be cheering her on every step of the way as she faces this latest chapter in her ongoing fight against ovarian cancer.
We join the countless others wishing Chris Evert a full and speedy recovery. Her legacy on the court is unmatched, but perhaps her greatest impact is the way she continues to inspire others through her resilience, honesty, and unwavering determination.