Chris Evert: My 'Relentless' Cancer Is Back

Tennis legend won't be able to attend Wimbledon
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Jun 25, 2026 1:57 PM CDT
Chris Evert: My 'Relentless' Cancer Is Back
Former Wimbledon singles champion Chris Evert waves as she arrives at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, on July 3, 2022.   (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, File)

Tennis Hall of Famer Chris Evert said Thursday that her ovarian cancer has returned and that treatment will prevent her from attending Wimbledon this year. Evert, 71, was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer in December 2021, per the AP. After being pronounced cancer-free following treatment, she announced the return of the cancer in 2023. Evert seemed to beat the disease again, but she said Thursday that recent tests showed it was back. She's already had surgery and will begin chemo soon.

"Because of this, I will not be attending Wimbledon this year, and I will step back from my professional commitments over the next few months to focus on my health," Evert said. "Ovarian cancer is relentless, but I will stay optimistic and determined in continuing to fight this battle." Evert is an 18-time Grand Slam singles champion and has remained prominent in the sport as an analyst for ESPN.

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