2026-06-26 09:24:13
Chris Evert has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer for a third time.
The American tennis legend has confirmed that she will not be attending Wimbledon – where she is a three-time champion and features on the BBC’s coverage of the event – this year.
The news comes just before the release of a new Netflix documentary Chris and Martina: The Final Set, which charts Evert and her great rival Martina Navratilova’s experiences with cancer.
Evert was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2021 and underwent a double mastectomy the following year after learning that she carried the BRCA gene – which increases the risk of developing certain types of the disease.
The former world number’s one cancer returned in 2023, the same year that Navratilova was diagnosed with throat and breast cancer.
Evert said of her latest diagnosis: “I have always believed in being open and honest about my health journey. 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. 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.
“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.”
Evert secured legendary status in women’s tennis as she won 18 Grand Slam titles – including a record seven French Opens, a joint-record six US Opens and two Australian Opens.
Navratilova has backed her friend and former rival to “slay the monster” of cancer again.
She said: “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.”
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