CHRIS EVERT REVEALS OVARIAN CANCER HAS RETURNED FOR THIRD TIME

Chris Evert announced on Thursday that her ovarian cancer has returned, describing the illness as "relentless" whilst stating she will remain "optimistic and determined". The 71-year-old former world No 1 and 18-time grand-slam champion disclosed the news via a statement posted on social media. Evert revealed she has already undergone surgery and will begin chemotherapy in the coming weeks. She stated she will not attend Wimbledon this year and will step back from professional commitments over the next few months to focus on her health.

This marks the third occurrence of the disease for Evert. She first learned of her cancer in 2022 following a preventive hysterectomy, after discovering she carried the BRCA gene mutation following her sister Jeanne's death from ovarian cancer. Evert underwent chemotherapy at that time and was told by doctors the cancer would very likely not return, as it had been caught early. The disease recurred in 2023. Evert retired as a professional player in 1989 and has worked as a pundit in recent years. She won three Wimbledon singles titles among her 18 grand-slam championships.

Evert expressed gratitude to her medical team, family and friends who have offered support. She stated she looks forward to returning to public life. Wimbledon, held annually on the grass courts of London, represents one of the four grand-slam tennis tournaments.