- The 68-year-old was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer in December 2021
- She completed chemo in May 2022. Her sister died from the disease in 2020
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Chris Evert has been diagnosed with cancer for the second time in the past two years.
The Tennis Hall of Famer said Friday that her ovarian cancer returned, adding that she will not broadcast for ESPN at the Australian Open while undergoing treatment.
“While this is a diagnosis I never wanted to hear, I am once again fortunate that it was caught early,” Evert said in a statement released by ESPN. 'Doctors found cancer cells in the same pelvic area. All cells have been removed and I have started a new course of chemotherapy.'
68-year-old Evert was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer in December 2021. She completed chemotherapy in May 2022 and told the public that her doctor was confident the disease would not return because it was caught early.
Evert is an 18-time Grand Slam singles champion. The Australian Open starts next month.
Chris Evert has been diagnosed with cancer for the second time in the past two years
A 16-year-old Chris Evert is pictured at the West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills, Queens in 1971
'I'm ready for the rest of the Grand Slam season!' said Evert.
She previously announced her first cancer diagnosis in January 2022, insisting at the time that she was optimistic.
'I have led a very charmed life. Now I have a number of challenges ahead of me,” Evert said. 'But I take comfort in knowing that the chemotherapy should ensure that the cancer does not come back.'
Her sister, Jeanne Evert Dubin, died of ovarian cancer in February 2020 at the age of 62.
“Be your own advocate. Know your family's history. Be fully aware of your body, follow your feelings and be aware of changes,” Evert said in 2022. “Don't try to be a crusader and think this will go away.”