Former World Number 1 tennis player and Hall of Famer Chris Evert has recently announced that she has received a diagnosis of recurrent ovarian cancer. Evert, who currently serves as a tennis analyst for ESPN, has disclosed that she has already initiated a new round of treatment following this latest diagnosis. Regrettably, this means that she will be unable to fulfill her previously scheduled coverage of the 2024 Australian Open in Melbourne in January. Nonetheless, she remains optimistic and is aiming to return for the remainder of the Grand Slam season.
In a statement addressed to her fans and supporters, the 68-year-old Evert expressed her appreciation for the timely detection of the cancer, enabling her to promptly receive medical attention. She underwent robotic surgery last week subsequent to a PET CT scan uncovering cancer cells in the same pelvic area where she had previously undergone treatment. The encouraging news is that all the cells were successfully eradicated, and Evert has already initiated a new course of chemotherapy to confront the illness head-on.
This is not the first time that Evert has encountered this struggle. In December 2021, she was diagnosed with early-stage ovarian cancer, prompting her to undergo a preventive hysterectomy. The decision arose following the passing of her sister, Jeanne, in 2020, who succumbed to ovarian cancer at the age of 62. Evert’s personal experience has led her to advocate for proactive measures in monitoring one’s health and paying heed to family medical history. She underscores the critical role of early detection in saving lives and hopes that her story will inspire others to express gratitude for their well-being, particularly during the holiday season.
Evert is esteemed for her illustrious career in tennis, during which she secured 18 Grand Slam singles titles. Her significant contributions to the sport were duly recognized with her induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1995, thereby cementing her status as a legendary figure in the tennis community.
As fans and colleagues alike rally behind Chris Evert during this challenging period, it is evident that her resilience and optimistic outlook will continue to serve as a wellspring of inspiration for many. Here’s to hoping for her complete and swift recovery, and for raising awareness about the significance of early detection in the battle against ovarian cancer.