Three-time Wimbledon champion Chris Evert has confirmed that her ovarian cancer has returned, sharing the heartbreaking news in a statement on social media. The 71-year-old tennis legend, who won the Wimbledon singles title in 1974, 1976 and 1981, revealed she will miss next week's tournament as she undergoes treatment.
Statement on Social Media
Evert posted on X on Thursday afternoon, writing: "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."
Impact on Wimbledon Attendance
As a result of her diagnosis and treatment plan, Evert confirmed she will not attend the upcoming Wimbledon championships. The tournament, which begins next week, holds significant personal history for Evert, who claimed her first Wimbledon title in 1974 at age 19.
Evert's cancer diagnosis first came to light in 2022 when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She underwent treatment and had been in remission until this recent recurrence. According to the American Cancer Society, ovarian cancer has a recurrence rate of approximately 70-80% for advanced stages, though early detection improves outcomes.
Support from the Tennis Community
Fans and fellow players have expressed support for Evert following her announcement. The tennis world has rallied around the former world No. 1, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in history. Evert has been a prominent figure in the sport even after retirement, working as a tennis commentator and advocate for cancer research.
Evert's openness about her health journey has been praised, as she continues to inspire others facing similar battles. She has previously spoken about the importance of regular screenings and early detection.
