Tennis legend Chris Evert has shared heartbreaking news with her fans and the broader sports community: her ovarian cancer has returned. The 18-time Grand Slam champion revealed over the weekend that follow-up CT and PET scans confirmed a recurrence of the disease, prompting her to withdraw from her scheduled commentating duties at Wimbledon. The news has sparked an outpouring of support across social media and renewed conversations about ovarian cancer awareness.
Evert, who has served as a tennis analyst for ESPN since her retirement from professional play, was set to cover the prestigious Wimbledon tournament in London, which runs from June 29 to July 12. Instead, she will be stepping back from her professional commitments to focus entirely on her health and recovery.
The Announcement: A Message of Honesty and Determination
Taking to Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), Evert shared a heartfelt statement about her diagnosis and treatment plan. She explained that she has already undergone surgery as the first step in her battle against the returning disease and will begin chemotherapy in the coming weeks.
“I have always believed in being open and honest about my health journey,” Evert wrote in her statement. Her transparency has been a hallmark of how she has handled her cancer diagnoses publicly, offering inspiration and awareness to countless women facing similar challenges.
In her message, the tennis icon struck a tone of resilience: “Ovarian cancer is relentless, but I will stay optimistic and determined in continuing to fight this battle.” She also expressed gratitude to her medical team, family, friends, and supporters who have reached out with encouragement during this difficult time.
A History of Cancer Battles
This marks the third time Chris Evert has faced an ovarian cancer diagnosis. She was first diagnosed with the disease in 2022, a discovery that came as a result of preventive surgery following genetic testing that revealed a BRCA gene variant. The same genetic predisposition had claimed the life of her younger sister, Jeanne Evert Dubin, who died from ovarian cancer in 2020.
After her initial diagnosis, Evert underwent successful treatment and announced the following year that she was cancer-free. Unfortunately, a second diagnosis came just under a year later, requiring additional treatment. By July 2024, she had once again shared the wonderful news that she was cancer-free.
The recurrence announced recently represents yet another chapter in her ongoing health journey. Her willingness to share these updates publicly has helped raise awareness about ovarian cancer, which is frequently diagnosed at later stages due to subtle symptoms.
A Storied Tennis Legacy
Beyond her health battles, Evert’s place in tennis history is firmly cemented. She made her major tournament debut at just 16 years old at the 1971 U.S. Open at Forest Hills, where she became the youngest semifinalist in the tournament’s history. That breakthrough match was against the legendary Billie Jean King, who went on to win the championship that year.
Over the course of her career, Evert accumulated an astonishing 18 Grand Slam titles, including six U.S. Open victories, three Wimbledon championships, and seven French Open titles. She also reached the finals of several other majors, cementing her reputation as one of the most consistent and dominant players of her era.
Records and Achievements
Evert held the world No. 1 ranking for an impressive 260 weeks, placing her fourth on the all-time list according to the Women’s Tennis Association. Only three players have surpassed that mark: Steffi Graf (377 weeks), her longtime rival Martina Navratilova (332 weeks), and Serena Williams (319 weeks).
She retired from professional tennis in 1989 at the relatively young age of 34 and was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1995. Her transition to broadcasting allowed her to remain a beloved figure in the sport, sharing her expertise and passion with viewers around the world.
A Friendship Forged Through Shared Struggles
One of the most touching aspects of Evert’s recent public appearances has been her deepened friendship with Martina Navratilova. The two former rivals, who faced each other in some of the most memorable matches in tennis history, found their bond strengthened by their shared experiences with cancer.
In a recent interview on “Good Morning America,” Evert and Navratilova appeared together to discuss how their health battles had transformed their relationship. Navratilova herself was diagnosed with cancer twice, first in 2010 and again in 2023, and is now cancer-free. The two tennis greats reflected on how their journeys had “brought our relationship, our friendship, to another level because of the support and the care that we had for each other.”
This public display of solidarity between two of the greatest competitors the sport has ever seen serves as a powerful reminder that even the most fierce rivals can become the strongest allies when facing life’s greatest challenges together.
Stepping Back from Wimbledon
The decision to skip Wimbledon commentating was undoubtedly a difficult one for Evert, who has been a familiar and beloved presence at the tournament for years. Her articulate analysis, deep understanding of the game, and warm personality have made her a fan favorite among tennis viewers.
By stepping away from her ESPN commentator duties, Evert is prioritizing her health during a critical phase of treatment. Chemotherapy typically requires significant energy and recovery time, and the London-based tournament would have demanded her presence for nearly two weeks of intensive broadcasting.
Her fans, colleagues, and the broader tennis community have rallied around her, expressing their well-wishes and understanding of her decision. Messages of support have flooded social media, demonstrating the impact Evert has had both on and off the court.
Understanding Ovarian Cancer
Evert’s recurring battle highlights the importance of ovarian cancer awareness. Often called the “silent killer,” ovarian cancer frequently presents with vague symptoms that can be easily overlooked, including bloating, pelvic pain, difficulty eating, and frequent urination. Because of these subtle signs, many cases are not diagnosed until the disease has progressed to later stages.
Risk factors for ovarian cancer include:
- Age: Most cases occur in women over 50
- Family history: A strong family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer can increase risk
- Genetic mutations: BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations significantly elevate risk
- Reproductive history: Never having been pregnant or having late first pregnancies
- Endometriosis: This condition has been linked to higher ovarian cancer risk
Evert’s case is particularly notable because of her proactive genetic testing, which led to the early detection of her initial cancer. Her sister’s death from the same disease motivated Evert to undergo preventive surgery, which ultimately revealed the presence of cancer. This underscores the critical importance of understanding one’s family history and considering genetic counseling when appropriate.
Treatment and Outlook
For her current recurrence, Chris Evert has already undergone surgery and is preparing for chemotherapy in the coming weeks. Treatment for recurrent ovarian cancer typically involves a combination of approaches, which may include additional surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, or participation in clinical trials.
Medical advances in ovarian cancer treatment have improved outcomes significantly over the past decade, with new therapies offering hope to those facing recurrent diagnoses. Evert’s determination and access to excellent medical care position her well for the challenges ahead.
Conclusion: A Champion On and Off the Court
Chris Evert’s announcement serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of cancer and the strength required to face it repeatedly. Throughout her career, she demonstrated the mental toughness, discipline, and grace of a true champion. Those same qualities now serve her in her most important match yet: her ongoing battle against ovarian cancer.
As she takes time away from the sport she loves to focus on treatment and recovery, the entire tennis world stands behind her. Her legacy as one of the greatest players in history remains secure, but perhaps even more meaningful is the example she sets through her openness, vulnerability, and unwavering determination. We wish Chris Evert strength, healing, and a full recovery as she embarks on this next chapter of her health journey.