Tennis legend Chris Evert has revealed that her ovarian cancer has returned for a third time, forcing her to step away from Wimbledon and her professional commitments as she begins treatment again.
The 71-year-old sports icon shared the emotional health update on Instagram on Thursday, June 25, telling fans that doctors discovered the cancer after she underwent scans and exploratory surgery earlier this week.
“I have always believed in being open and honest about my health journey,” Evert wrote. “This past weekend, after undergoing CT and PET scans, I learned that my ovarian cancer has returned.”
Evert said she has already had surgery as the first step in her treatment and recovery. She is expected to begin chemotherapy in the coming weeks.
Because of her diagnosis and upcoming treatment, Evert said she will not attend Wimbledon this year and will take time away from work over the next few months to focus on her health.
“Ovarian cancer is relentless, but I will stay optimistic and determined in continuing to fight this battle,” she wrote. “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.”
The announcement sparked an immediate wave of support from fans, friends and fellow tennis greats, including Evert’s longtime friend Martina Navratilova.
Navratilova posted a photo of the two women fist-bumping and sent a powerful message of encouragement to her friend.
“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, about a year after her sister died from the same disease. She later underwent a preventive double mastectomy in 2022 after learning she carried the BRCA gene.
In early 2023, the three-time Wimbledon champion announced that she was in remission. But later that year, she shared that the cancer had returned.
“While this is a diagnosis I never wanted to hear, I once again feel fortunate that it was caught early,” Evert said in December 2023. “I encourage everyone to know your family history and advocate for yourself. Early detection saves lives.”
Through it all, Evert has been open about the physical and emotional toll of cancer. After her second diagnosis, she allowed cameras to follow her to doctor visits and captured deeply personal moments, including her son buzzing the last strands of her hair after chemotherapy.
Those moments are featured in Chris & Martina: The Final Set, a new documentary about Evert and Navratilova that premieres on Netflix on June 26.
Earlier this month, Evert said she chose to share those vulnerable parts of her life because she wants other people to take their health seriously.
“It humbles you when you’ve had the highest of highs and then you get cancer,” she explained. “It just makes you feel like you’re just like everybody else.”
She said part of the reason for opening up in the documentary was to raise awareness about genetic testing, regular checkups and listening to your body.
“If you feel anything different in your body, get it taken care of right away,” Evert said.
Now, as she faces another round of treatment, Evert is once again leaning on her family, friends, doctors and fans while keeping the same fighting spirit that made her one of tennis’ greatest champions.