Chris Evert, a former world No 1 and winner of 18 grand slam singles titles, has been diagnosed with cancer for a second time.
Evert, who was first diagnosed with stage 1 ovarian cancer two years ago, underwent robotic surgery last week to remove cancerous cells in the pelvic area after a scan revealed the disease had returned.
The 68-year-old American, who has started chemotherapy, said in a statement that she will miss next month’s Australian Open but hopes to fulfil her broadcasting duties for ESPN at the other majors next season.
“My cancer is back,” said Evert. “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!”
Evert’s previous diagnosis came in December 2021, when she scheduled a preventative hysterectomy after tests revealed she had a breast cancer gene mutation. Her sister, Jeanne, who had the same variant, died the previous year following a two-year struggle with ovarian cancer. Evert subsequently underwent six rounds of chemotherapy.
“It is only because of the genetic road map my sister left behind and the power of scientific progress that we caught my cancer early enough to do something about it,” Evert wrote in January of this year, when she declared herself “cancer-free”.
“My doctor said if left undiscovered, in four months’ time I would probably have been Stage 3 like Jeanne, with very few options.”
By that point, Evert had also made the decision to have a double mastectomy, reducing her breast cancer risk by more than 90%.
“I encourage everyone to know your family history and advocate for yourself,” said Evert. “Early detection saves lives.”