Tennis Hall of Famer Chris Evert announced Thursday that his ovarian cancer has returned and he will not be able to compete at Wimbledon this year due to treatment.
Evert, 71, was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer in December 2021. In December 2023, it was revealed that the cancer had returned.
Tests revealed the cancer had returned, and she announced on social media on Thursday that she had already undergone surgery “as a first step in treatment and recovery.” She said she would begin chemotherapy “in the next few weeks.”
— Chris Evert (@ChrissieEvert) June 25, 2026
“For this reason, I will not be participating in Wimbledon this year. I will be taking a break from professional activities for the next few months to focus on my health,” Evert said.
“Ovarian cancer is a relentless disease, but I remain optimistic and determined to continue this fight. I am deeply grateful to my medical team, family, friends, and everyone who has reached out with kindness and encouragement. I look forward to seeing everyone again soon.”
Evert is an 18-time Grand Slam singles champion and remains a prominent figure in the sport as an analyst for ESPN.
“Our thoughts are with fellow ESPN tennis player Chris Evert as he deals with this personal health issue,” Mike McQuaid, ESPN’s vice president of production, said in a statement. “We will definitely miss her at Wimbledon and wish her all the best. We look forward to having her back with us whenever she is ready to return.”
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
