Tennis legend Chris Evert confirms she's re-diagnosed with cancer in heartbreaking update

Tennis icon Chris Evert has heartbreakingly announced her cancer has returned. The 18-time Grand Slam singles champion was diagnosed with stage 1 ovarian cancer in January 2022 and completed her treatment following her sixth and final chemotherapy session four months later.

But over a year later the 68-year-old released a statement via ESPN announcing her re-diagnosis and as a result, she will not be part of the network’s coverage of the 2024 Australian Open. “Since I was first diagnosed with cancer two years ago, I’ve been very open about my experience. I wanted to give all of you an update. My cancer is back,” Evert said.

“While this is a diagnosis I never wanted to hear, I once again feel fortunate that it was caught early. Based on a PET CT scan, I underwent another robotic surgery this past week. Doctors found cancer cells in the same pelvic region. All cells were removed, and I have begun another round of chemotherapy.

“I will be unable to join my colleagues when ESPN makes its return to Melbourne for the Australian Open next month. But I’ll be ready for the rest of the Grand Slam season! I encourage everyone to know your family history and advocate for yourself. Early detection saves lives. Be thankful for your health this holiday season.”

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Evert is one of the greatest tennis players in history and is the owner of 157 singles titles. She has won the French Open seven times, more than any other woman, and shares the record with fellow tennis legend Serena Williams for the most US Open titles with six.

She finished as the year-end world No. 1 seven times: 1974 through 1978, 1980, and 1981, and became the first female athlete to earn $1 million in career prize money. Her rivalry with Martina Navratilova is one of the sport’s most compelling matchups as they captivated the sport throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

In January 2023, the three-time Grand Slam doubles champion discussed her diagnosis, treatment, and the crucial importance of early detection. “My doctor said if left undiscovered, in four months I would probably have been Stage 3 like Jeanne, with very few options,” she wrote on ESPN’s website.

“My advice is: Trust your gut, know your family history, learn about genetic testing, and be your own advocate. There are doctors around the world working on better options for BRCA mutation carriers; in the meantime, own your journey and spread the word.” One of Evert’s last public appearances before her diagnosis was with the 67-year-old at November’s WTA Finals in Cancun, Mexico.

She took part in a press conference with her former rival and presented Iga Swiatek with the trophy after the Polish star captured the season-ending title for the first time. Evert had predicted Swiatek would defeat compatriot Jessica Pegula, which she did emphatically. Swiatek lost just one game and finished the season as the World No. 1 for the second straight year.