Chris Evert is a genuine tennis icon. From the beginning of her illustrious career, she was always a fierce competitor. Evert conducted herself with immense class and grace, on and off the court. The retired champion, 71, has just revealed that she is facing ovarian cancer for the third time. She opened up about the unsettling news on Instagram on Thursday, June 25.
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Evert shared this in a heartfelt and candid post. "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. I have already undergone surgery as the first step in my treatment and recovery, and will begin chemotherapy in the coming weeks...Ovarian cancer is relentless, but I will stay optimistic and determined in continuing to fight this battle...."
She also said that she will not be at Wimbledon for the upcoming major tennis tournament there. Additionally, Evert "will step back" from her professional commitments while prioritizing her health.
Another Former Tennis Giant Wished Her Well
In the comments, Evert's friend and former frequent opponent on the court, Martina Navratilova, expressed her support. She wrote, "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 and Chris Evert have a new Netflix documentary. It premieres on Friday, June 26. Titled Chris & Martina: The Final Set, it reportedly depicts the aftermath of Evert's second cancer diagnosis.
Evert Has Courageously Dealt With Cancer in the Past
Per People, Chris Evert has bravely faced cancer before. The tennis star. whose sister died from ovarian cancer, was herself diagnosed with it in 2021. The next year, Evert had a preventative double mastectomy because she has the BRCA gene.
In 2023, she announced that her ovarian cancer had come back. At that time, in a post on X dated December 8, 2023 and released by ESPN PR, Chris Evert said this in part. "My cancer is back. While this is a diagnosis I never wanted to hear, I once again feel fortunate that it was caught early...I encourage everyone to know your family history and advocate for yourself. Early detection saves lives. Be thankful for your health this holiday season. Sincerely, Chris Evert"
Her fans around the world are surely in her corner as Chris Evert deals with cancer again. Along with the entire sports community, all of her followers are certainly wishing the beloved star a quick and complete recovery.
