On Friday, Tennis Hall of Famer Chris Evert disclosed the recurrence of her cancer, announcing a temporary departure from her role in the broadcasting booth. Evert, currently an on-air announcer for ESPN, had initially revealed her diagnosis of stage 1C ovarian cancer in January 2022. In a statement released through ESPN, she expressed her ongoing openness about her cancer journey, acknowledging the unwelcome return of the disease while emphasizing her gratitude for its early detection.
Following a PET CT scan, Evert underwent another robotic surgery last week, during which doctors identified cancer cells in the same pelvic region. All identified cells were successfully removed, and she has commenced another round of chemotherapy. Although an ESPN analyst since 2011, Evert will regrettably be absent from the Australian Open in January but expressed readiness for the subsequent Grand Slam season.
In her statement, Evert highlighted the importance of knowing one’s family history and self-advocacy for early detection, citing these as crucial factors in saving lives. The tennis legend, who lost her sister Jeanne Evert Dubin to ovarian cancer in February 2020, had previously declared herself “cancer-free” in an ESPN op-ed in January 2023, noting a promising 90% likelihood that the cancer would not recur.
At 68 years old, Evert boasts an impressive tennis legacy with 18 Grand Slam victories, former No. 1 status in the WTA rankings, and her induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1995.
