HEALTH

United States tennis icon Chris Evert faces renewed ovarian cancer battle

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Chris Evert, the 71-year-old American tennis Hall of Famer and ESPN analyst, has announced that her ovarian cancer has returned. In a statement released on Thursday, June 25, 2026, via her social media accounts, Evert said recent CT and PET scans detected the recurrence. She has already undergone surgery and plans to begin another course of chemotherapy in the coming weeks. As a result, Evert will miss the 2026 Wimbledon Championships in London and will pause all professional duties to focus on treatment. This is her third ovarian cancer diagnosis, following initial detection in December 2021 and a recurrence in December 2023.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

December 2021 Evert receives initial ovarian cancer diagnosis
January 2023 Evert announces she is cancer free
December 2023 Cancer recurrence prompts further treatment
Past weekend 2026 CT PET scans show new recurrence
Recent days 2026 Evert undergoes surgery for recurrence
June 25 2026 Evert publicly announces cancer return
June 25 2026 Confirms withdrawal from 2026 Wimbledon duties
Coming weeks 2026 Chemotherapy course scheduled to begin

Why This Matters to You

Chris Evert's battle with ovarian cancer is a stark reminder of the disease's persistence. It's a wake-up call to prioritize regular health check-ups, especially for women over 50. Early detection can make a significant difference in treatment and survival rates.

The Bottom Line

Ovarian cancer is a tough opponent, but so is Evert. Her openness about her struggle is a testament to her strength and resilience. It's a reminder that health battles are fought every day, even by our heroes. Worth forwarding if you know someone who needs a dose of courage today.