Ovarian cancer returns for Chris Evert, set to miss Australian Open coverage

Chris Evert won't be part of this year's Australian Open coverage on ESPN, but for good reason with the tennis legend confirming that her ovarian cancer has returned.

This news coming 11 months after the 18-time major champion was declared cancer free. Throughout her first bout with cancer, Evert promoted the importance of getting checked and echoed the same sentiment again on sharing the news that she won't be joining ESPN for the coverage next month after beginning the latest round of treatment.

After her sister Jeanne passed away from ovarian cancer in 2020 at the age of 62, Evert got a preventative hysterectomy and underwent six rounds of chemotherapy and soon returned to the ESPN broadcast team and then handed out the trophy to Iga Swiatek at the WTA Finals in Cancun.

The odds of the cancer returning stood at around 10%, but it now has as she undergoes her latest fight.

“While this is a diagnosis I never wanted to hear, I once again feel fortunate that it was caught early,” Evert said in a statement shared by ESPN. “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 encourage everyone to know your family history and advocate for yourself.”

“Early detection saves lives. Be thankful for your health this holiday season,” she stated.

“I’ll be ready for the rest of the Grand Slam season!”