Chris Evert shared a heartbreaking update on social media on Thursday, revealing that she underwent surgery and will have to undergo chemotherapy after learning that her ovarian cancer has returned.
The tennis legend had previously undergone cancer treatments in 2022 and 2023 and now faces another battle with the disease.
Chris Evert Reveals Heartbreaking Cancer Diagnosis
Evert, who was expected to head to London for the 2026 Wimbledon Championships and for the promotion of the Netflix documentary “Chris & Martina: The Final Set,” featuring herself and longtime rival and friend Martina Navratilova.
Instead, she underwent surgery in Florida after learning that her ovarian cancer had returned. Evert shared the news on Instagram and revealed the next steps in her road to recovery.
“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 wrote.
Evert added that she would be taking a step back from her professional commitments over the next few months as she focused on her cancer treatment.
“Ovarian cancer is relentless, but I will stay optimistic and determined in continuing to fight this battle. 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,” she added.
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The tennis community rallied together to send their best wishes to Evert. Navratilova, who has been a big support system for Evert in recent years, backed her best friend to beat cancer again.
“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. Lots of love, m,” she wrote on Instagram alongside a picture of the two friends bumping fists.
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Evert also received messages of support from Donna Vekić, Stan Wawrinka, Ajla Tomljanović, and others in the tennis community.
Evert is regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time and won 157 singles titles during her career, including 18 Grand Slam titles. She is a seven-time French Open champion, a record that only Rafael Nadal has eclipsed.
The Florida native is also a member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame and previously served as president of the WTA. In addition, she has been a long-time commentator for ESPN on Grand Slam tournaments.
