Tennis icon Chris Evert announced Tuesday that her ovarian cancer has returned for the third time, revealing that she will be stepping back from professional commitments to undergo chemotherapy.
Evert, 71, shared the news in an emotional statement, stating that she was diagnosed again this week following an abnormal CT scan and subsequent exploratory surgery. She underwent CT and PET scans over the weekend before learning of the recurrence.
"I have always believed in being open and honest about my health journey," Evert said. "This past weekend, after undergoing CT and PET scans, I learned that my ovarian cancer has returned."
As a result of the diagnosis, Evert will not attend Wimbledon, which is scheduled to begin this week. She had previously planned to be at the Grand Slam tournament in London.
"I have already undergone surgery as the first step in my treatment and recovery, and will begin chemotherapy in the coming weeks," she stated. "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."
Evert was first diagnosed with stage 1 BRCA-related ovarian cancer in December 2021. After completing chemotherapy in May 2022, her doctor expressed confidence that the disease would not return due to its early detection.
However, in early 2023, Evert announced her cancer had returned, though she noted it was again caught early. "While this is a diagnosis I never wanted to hear, I once again feel fortunate that it was caught early," she said in a December 2023 statement. "I encourage everyone to know your family history and advocate for yourself. Early detection saves lives. Be thankful for your health this holiday season."
Following her second diagnosis, Evert became an advocate for genetic testing. "I really have to live my best life right now, and I have to get out there, be an advocate for the BRCA gene, genetic testing," she told ABC's Good Morning America in August 2024. The BRCA gene test identifies DNA mutations linked to breast or ovarian cancer.
Evert's initial cancer diagnosis came in January 2022, two years after her sister, Jeanne Evert Dubin, died from ovarian cancer in February 2020 at age 62.
"Ovarian cancer is relentless, but I will stay optimistic and determined in continuing to fight this battle," Evert added. "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's announcement follows the recent release of her Netflix documentary with former rival Martina Navratilova, "Chris & Martina: The Final Set," which candidly discusses their respective battles with cancer. Navratilova was diagnosed with throat and breast cancer in January 2023 and later received an all-clear.