Chris Evert took to social media on Thursday, June 25 to reveal that she had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer for the third time.
The 71-year-old tennis legend was first diagnosed with stage 1 of the disease back in 2021, undergoing a double mastectomy in 2022 when she discovered she had the BRCA gene.
© Getty ImagesIn 2023, however, she revealed that the cancer had returned. Her journey dealing with the second diagnosis was captured in the newly released documentary Chris & Martina: The Final Set, featuring Martina Navratilova, which premiered at the TriBeCa Film Festival earlier in June.
Chris' statement on her 3rd cancer diagnosis
"I have always believed in being open and honest about my health journey," Chris shared on Instagram in a statement to her followers. "This past weekend, after undergoing CT and PET scans, I learned that my ovarian cancer has returned."
She revealed that she has already started the process of treatment, but to give herself time to fight the disease and summarily heal, she's taking time off from her professional life and will also not appear at Wimbledon later this summer. She was due to cover the tournament as an analyst for ESPN as in years past.
Dropping out of Wimbledon
"I have already undergone surgery as the first step in my treatment and recovery, and will begin chemotherapy in the coming weeks," Chris continued. "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."
Dubbing the devastating disease "relentless," the athlete added: "Ovarian cancer is relentless, but I will stay optimistic and determined in continuing to fight this battle."
© Instagram"I am deeply grateful to my medical team, my family, friends, and everyone who has reached out with kindness and encouragement," concluding with: "I look forward to seeing everyone again soon."
What has Chris said about her cancer journey?
Speaking with People recently about her cancer journey, Chris shared: "It humbles you when you've had the highest of highs and then you get cancer. It just makes you feel like you're just like everybody else, you know?"
"I mean, hopefully we felt that way anyway, but it's like this is a terrible disease that anybody can get. Part of the reason why we're doing this is just to get the word out about genetic testing and about getting your checkups. If you feel anything different in your body, get it taken care of right away."
© Getty ImagesMartina Navratilova's support
The documentary also captures Martina's own cancer battle, one that tightened the bond between the once-fierce rivals. She also commented on Chris' latest post: "My friend Chrissie is a champion of champions and as such she will slay this monster again. We are all pulling for you, and know you will come out on the other side cancer free again – lots of love, m."
When her cancer returned in 2023, Chris shared in a poignant statement at the time: "While this is a diagnosis I never wanted to hear, I once again feel fortunate that it was caught early."
© Getty Images"I encourage everyone to know your family history and advocate for yourself. Early detection saves lives. Be thankful for your health this holiday season."
