Tennis legend Chris Evert announces return of ovarian cancer
Tennis legend Chris Evert has revealed the return of her ovarian cancer, delivering the news to fans through social media this afternoon, reports BritPanorama.
The 71-year-old American, who claimed three Wimbledon singles titles during her illustrious career, confirmed her diagnosis following recent medical scans.
Evert, celebrated as one of the sport’s all-time greats, first overcame the illness in 2022 when it was discovered during a preventive hysterectomy after she learned she carried the BRCA gene mutation. Despite initial optimism regarding her prognosis, the cancer recurred in 2023.
In her statement, Evert wrote: “I have always believed in being open and honest about my health journey. This past weekend, after undergoing CT and PET scans, I learned that my ovarian cancer has returned.” She has already undergone surgery and will begin chemotherapy in the coming weeks.
The 18-time grand slam champion described the illness as “relentless” but vowed to remain “optimistic and determined” in her fight against it. She expressed gratitude towards her medical team, family, and friends for their support during this challenging time.
Evert will not attend Wimbledon this year, prioritising her recovery over professional duties. Since retiring from competitive tennis in 1989, she has stayed active in the sport as a pundit and commentator.
Her remarkable career includes 18 grand slam singles titles, with seven victories at the French Open, six at the US Open, and two at the Australian Open, alongside her three Wimbledon championships.
Fellow tennis icon Martina Navratilova offered support on Instagram, stating: “My friend Chrissie is a champion of champions and as such she will slay this monster again. We are all pulling for you.”
As Evert embarks on this new chapter in her health journey, her resilience continues to inspire many, highlighting the profound connection between athletes and their fans during challenging times.
