BOCA RATON, Fla. — Tennis legend Chris Evert announced on Thursday that her ovarian cancer has returned, and she has already undergone surgery as the initial step in treatment.
Evert, 71, an 18-time Grand Slam singles champion and ESPN tennis analyst, shared the news in a social media post. She said CT and PET scans conducted over the past weekend revealed the recurrence, marking the third time she has faced the disease.
"I have always believed in being open and honest about my health journey," Evert wrote. "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."
The recurrence will prevent Evert from attending Wimbledon, where she has frequently served as a commentator. The championships are scheduled to begin next week in London. She said she will step back from professional commitments for the next several months to focus on her health.
"Ovarian cancer is relentless, but I will stay optimistic and determined in continuing to fight this battle," Evert said in her statement. "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 was first diagnosed with stage 1 ovarian cancer in December 2021 after a preventive hysterectomy. She announced she was cancer-free in January 2023. The cancer returned in late 2023, and she was again declared cancer-free in July 2024 following additional treatment.
An ESPN spokesperson said the network's thoughts are with Evert. "We will certainly miss her at Wimbledon and wish her all the best. We look forward to having her back with us whenever she feels ready to return," the statement said.
Evert, who held the world No. 1 ranking for 260 weeks, retired from professional tennis in 1989 and was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1995. She has been open about her health journey, in part to raise awareness of ovarian cancer, which took the life of her sister Jeanne in 2020.
As of Thursday, details about the extent of the current recurrence or specific treatment timeline beyond the upcoming chemotherapy remained limited. Evert's medical team has not issued public statements.
