Former Wimbledon champion Chris Evert has revealed that her ovarian cancer has returned for a third time. The 71-year-old, one of the greatest players in tennis history, said she remains hopeful and determined as she begins another round of treatment.
Evert said she learned the news after recent scans and has already had surgery as the first step in her care. Chemotherapy is set to begin in the coming weeks, and she plans to step back from professional commitments for now to focus on her health.
The American said she has always tried to be open about her health journey and explained that she will not attend Wimbledon this year. She added that ovarian cancer is difficult to face, but that she intends to keep fighting with optimism.
Evert, who won Wimbledon three times and collected 18 Grand Slam singles titles, has remained a familiar voice in tennis coverage since retiring in 1989. Her absence will be felt at the tournament, where she was due to work as a broadcaster.
Messages of support have already poured in from across the tennis world. Former rival and close friend Martina Navratilova described Evert as a champion and said she is confident the American will overcome the illness again.
ESPN also said it will miss Evert at Wimbledon and sent its best wishes, saying it looks forward to welcoming her back when she is ready.
