Three-time Wimbledon champion Chris Evert has confirmed that her ovarian cancer has returned, forcing her to miss this year's tournament while undergoing treatment. The 71-year-old tennis legend, who won the grass-court Grand Slam in 1974, 1976, and 1981, shared the news on X on Thursday afternoon.
Evert's Health Announcement
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. I have already undergone surgery as the first step in my treatment and recovery, and will begin chemotherapy in the coming weeks."
She added: "Because of this, I will not be attending Wimbledon this year, and I will step back from my professional commitments over the next few months to focus on my health. Ovarian cancer is relentless, but I will stay optimistic and determined in continuing to fight this battle."
Previous Cancer Battles and Family History
Evert was first diagnosed with cancer in 2021, less than two years after losing her sister to the disease. In December 2022, she underwent a preventative double mastectomy after discovering she carried the BRCA gene. In 2023, her cancer recurred, but she successfully overcame it the following year.
Career Legacy and Support from Peers
Evert retired in 1989 with 18 Grand Slam singles titles, three doubles titles, eight Fed Cup victories (1977-1989), and four Tour Finals wins (1972-1977). She held the world No. 1 ranking from November 1975. Following her announcement, many tennis figures expressed support. The WTA's Instagram account wrote: "Thinking of you and sending you all the love." Martina Navratilova said: "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."
