Chris Evert confirms cancer has returned as she steps away from Wimbledon
WTAThursday, 25 June 2026 at 18:56
Chris Evert announced the unfortunate news that her ovarian cancer has returned, and that she will not be attending Wimbledon this year in order to focus on her recovery. The 18-time Grand Slam champion is facing a new battle against cancer at the age of 71.
This is the third time Evert has faced ovarian cancer. She was first diagnosed back in 2021 with stage 1C ovarian cancer, which was discovered after her sister, Jeanne, tragically passed away from the same disease in 2020.
Since then, she has gone through years of constant battles against the illness. Evert underwent a hysterectomy and chemotherapy, achieving remission by early 2023.
The cancer returned again in late 2023, which once again forced her to pause her activities and undergo surgery. The former World No. 1 announced that she was declared cleared of cancer cells in early 2025. However, in a recent statement on social media, she revealed that she will face a third battle against ovarian cancer.
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“I have always believed in being open and honest about my health journey,” wrote the 18-time Grand Slam champion. “This past weekend, after undergoing CT and PET scans, I learned that my ovarian cancer has returned.”
“I have already undergone surgery as the first step in my treatment and recovery, and will begin chemotherapy in the coming weeks. 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.”
“Ovarian cancer is relentless, but I will stay optimistic and determined in continuing to fight this battle. I am deeply grateful to my medical team, my family, friends, and everyone who has reached out with kindness and encouragement. I look forward to seeing everyone again soon.”
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Evert and Navratilova reunite in documentary
Evert has recently been participating in promotional activities for the documentary she will star in alongside her friend and former rival Martina Navratilova for Netflix. In it, not only is a rivalry that turned into friendship over the decades explored, but also the personal battle that both have had to face against cancer.
The documentary revisits key moments of their rivalry during their careers — where they faced each other a total of 80 times during the 1970s and 1980s — but also their journey in later years, how they grew closer and became close friends, and how both played a key role in each other’s battles against cancer.
“We were so different in our younger years,” Evert said in a recent interview with The Herald. “I was this good Catholic girl, prim and proper… I had my nail polish and my little earrings, and you know… trying to be feminine at the same time, and Martina was the jock, she was the athlete. We were so different in every way, shape or form.”
Evert ended her career with a total of 157 career titles, 18 of them Grand Slam trophies, and 16 additional finals in the same category. Evert was ranked World No. 1 for a total of 260 weeks and finished as year-end No. 1 seven times (1974–1978, 1980–1981).
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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