Tennis legend and Hall of Famer Chris Evert has announced that her ovarian cancer has returned, prompting her to step away from her professional commitments, including her scheduled role as an ESPN analyst during the 2026 Wimbledon Championships. The 71-year-old shared the news in a heartfelt statement, expressing gratitude for the support she has received while remaining determined to face another chapter in her health journey.
Evert revealed that recent CT and PET scans confirmed the recurrence of her cancer. She stated that she has already undergone surgery as the first stage of treatment and will begin chemotherapy in the coming weeks. As a result, she will not travel to London for Wimbledon and plans to temporarily step away from broadcasting and other professional responsibilities to focus on her recovery.
In her public statement, Evert acknowledged the challenges that come with battling ovarian cancer, describing the disease as “relentless.” Despite the setback, she emphasized her determination to remain optimistic throughout treatment. She also thanked her medical team, family, friends, and the many fans who have reached out with messages of encouragement and support.
Evert’s battle with ovarian cancer has been followed closely by the sports world. She was first diagnosed after undergoing preventive surgery following the death of her younger sister, whose illness led to the discovery of a hereditary cancer risk within the family. Since then, Evert has been open about her diagnosis and treatment, using her platform to encourage awareness of genetic testing and the importance of early detection for women with a family history of ovarian cancer.
Throughout her career, Evert established herself as one of the greatest players in tennis history. She captured 18 Grand Slam singles titles, including three Wimbledon championships, and spent 260 weeks ranked as the world’s No. 1 player. Following her retirement from professional competition, she became one of the sport’s most respected television analysts, providing commentary at major tournaments around the world.
Her announcement has prompted an outpouring of support from fellow players, commentators, and fans across the global tennis community. Many have praised Evert’s courage in speaking publicly about her health while wishing her strength during treatment. The news comes just days before the release of the documentary Chris & Martina: The Final Set, which explores the careers, friendship, and shared cancer experiences of Evert and fellow tennis legend Martina Navratilova.
Although she will be absent from this year’s Wimbledon coverage, Evert has expressed hope that she will return once her treatment is complete. For now, the tennis world is united in sending its support to one of the game’s most iconic champions as she focuses on her health and recovery.