Chris Evert says ovarian cancer has returned

Chris Evert, one of tennis’ most accomplished champions, said Thursday that her ovarian cancer has returned and that she has already undergone surgery as she begins another round of treatment.

“I have always believed in being open and honest about my health journey,” Evert wrote in a social media post. “This past weekend, after undergoing CT and PET scans, I learned that my ovarian cancer has returned.”

Evert, 71, said surgery was “the first step” in her treatment and recovery. She did not specify what type of surgery she had. Chemotherapy will begin in the coming weeks, she said.

The recurrence will keep Evert away from Wimbledon, where she has often appeared as a broadcast commentator. The tournament is scheduled to begin in London next week. Evert said she is stepping back from ESPN’s Wimbledon coverage and other professional commitments over the next few months so she can focus on her health.

“Ovarian cancer is relentless, but I will stay optimistic and determined in continuing to fight this battle,” she wrote. “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 ovarian cancer in December 2021. She announced in January 2023 that she was cancer free, but later said the cancer had returned in December of that year. NBC News reported that this is the third time Evert has revealed a recurrence and that she beat the disease after her two previous diagnoses. Her sister, Jeanne Evert Dubin, died from ovarian cancer in 2020.

About 70% of ovarian cancer patients will experience a recurrence of the disease, according to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance.

Evert won 18 Grand Slam singles titles and was ranked No. 1 in women’s singles by the Women’s Tennis Association for 260 weeks after the rankings began in 1975. The WTA, the main organizer of women’s professional tennis globally, has described her career as “the stuff of legend” and noted that her backhand form “revolutionized” the game. Evert was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1995 and retired in September 1989.

Her announcement came one day before the release of the Netflix documentary “Chris & Martina: The Final Set,” which follows the careers of Evert and Martina Navratilova and their battles with cancer.

Navratilova, who was diagnosed with throat and breast cancer in 2023 and later declared cancer-free, posted a message of support on Instagram.

“My friend Chrissie is a champion of champions and as such she will slay this monster again,” Navratilova wrote. “We are all pulling for you, and know you will come out on the other side cancer free again- lots of love, m.”