TENNIS LEGEND CHRIS EVERT REVEALS HER OVARIAN CANCER HAS RETURNED IN EMOTIONAL HEALTH UPDATE CQ

Chris Evert revealed that she has been diagnosed with cancer for the third time.

On Thursday, June 25, the tennis legend posted on Instagram and shared that her ovarian cancer returned. The disease was detected earlier this week when the 71-year-old underwent an exploratory surgery following an abnormal CT scan.

“I have always believed in being open and honest about my health journey,” she began. “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,” she continued. “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,” she ended. “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.”

Shortly after, Evert’s longtime friend and fellow tennis great Martina Navratilova posted a photo on Instagram of the two fist bumping each other, sharing her support ahead of her upcoming treatment.

“My friend Chrissie is a champion of champions and as such she will slay this monster again,” Navratilova wrote. “We are all pulling for you, and know you will come out on the other side cancer free again- lots of love, m.”

Evert was first diagnosed with stage 1 ovarian cancer in 2021, a year after her sister died of the disease. She underwent a preventive double mastectomy in 2022 after discovering that she carried the BRCA gene.

In early 2023, the three-time Wimbledon champion announced that she was in remission, but revealed later that year that her cancer had returned.

“While this is a diagnosis I never wanted to hear, I once again feel fortunate that it was caught early,” she said in a December 2023 statement. “I encourage everyone to know your family history and advocate for yourself. Early detection saves lives. Be thankful for your health this holiday season.”

Following her second diagnosis, Evert allowed cameras to accompany her to doctor appointments and to film her son buzzing the last strands of her hair after chemotherapy. It was documented in her and Navratilova’s new documentary, Chris & Martina: The Final Set, which premieres on Netflix on June 26.

Earlier this month, Evert told PEOPLE that being vulnerable about her cancer journey on screen was intentional, hoping to raise awareness in the process.

“It humbles you when you’ve had the highest of highs and then you get cancer. It just makes you feel like you’re just like everybody else, you know? I mean, hopefully we felt that way anyway, but it’s like this is a terrible disease that anybody can get,” she explained. “Part of the reason why we’re doing this is just to get the word out about genetic testing and about getting your checkups. If you feel anything different in your body, get it taken care of right away.”