Chris Evert’s devastating cancer diagnosis – ‘Words I never wanted to hear
Tennis superstar Chris Evert has sadly revealed that her cancer has returned. The 18-time Grand Slam singles champion was first diagnosed with stage 1 ovarian cancer in January 2022 and completed her treatment after her sixth and final chemotherapy session four months later.
However, the 68-year-old has now announced via ESPN that she has been re-diagnosed and as a result, will not be part of the network’s coverage of the 2024 Australian Open. “Since I was first diagnosed with cancer two years ago, I’ve been very open about my experience. I wanted to give all of you an update. My cancer is back,” Evert said.
She added: “While this is a diagnosis I never wanted to hear, I once again feel fortunate that it was caught early. Based on a PET CT scan, I underwent another robotic surgery this past week. Doctors found cancer cells in the same pelvic region. All cells were removed, and I have begun another round of chemotherapy.
“I will be unable to join my colleagues when ESPN makes its return to Melbourne for the Australian Open next month. But I’ll be ready for the rest of the Grand Slam season! I encourage everyone to know your family history and advocate for yourself. Early detection saves lives. Be thankful for your health this holiday season.”
Evert, one of the greatest tennis players in history, boasts 157 singles titles. She’s won the French Open seven times, more than any other woman, and shares the record with fellow tennis legend Serena Williams for the most US Open titles with six.
She finished as the year-end world No. 1 seven times: 1974 through 1978, 1980, and 1981, and became the first female athlete to earn $1 million in career prize money. Her rivalry with Martina Navratilova is one of the sport’s most compelling matchups as they captivated the sport throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
In January 2023, the three-time Grand Slam doubles champion discussed her diagnosis, treatment, and the crucial importance of early detection. “My doctor said if left undiscovered, in four months I would probably have been Stage 3 like Jeanne, with very few options,” she wrote on ESPN’s website.
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“My advice is: Trust your gut, know your family history, learn about genetic testing, and be your own advocate. There are doctors around the world working on better options for BRCA mutation carriers; in the meantime, own your journey and spread the word.” One of Evert’s last public appearances before her diagnosis was alongside Navratilova at November’s WTA Finals in Cancun, Mexico.
She joined a press conference with her ex-rival and handed over the trophy to Iga Swiatek, who bagged the season-ending title for the first time. Evert had forecasted that Swiatek would beat America’s Jessica Pegula, which she did in style. Swiatek’s victory ended the season as the World No. 1 for the second year running.
An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story.
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