Chris Evert withdraws from Wimbledon as ovarian cancer returns for third time

A third cancer diagnosis

On 25 June, Chris Evert disclosed on social media that her ovarian cancer had returned for a third time. She underwent CT and PET scans the previous weekend and received the results confirming the recurrence. Evert wrote that she had already had surgery "as the first step in my treatment and recovery", adding she will begin chemotherapy "in the coming weeks." The announcement comes four days before the start of Wimbledon, where the 71-year-old has been a regular television analyst for the BBC and ESPN since retiring from competitive tennis in 1989.

Wimbledon and broadcasting duties paused

Evert will not attend this year's championships, which run from 29 June to 12 July. She told her followers she would "step back from my professional commitments over the next few months to focus on my health." Evert won the Wimbledon ladies' singles title three times and was the world No.1 for 260 weeks. Only Serena Williams (23) and Steffi Graf (22) have amassed more major singles titles in the Open era than Evert's 18.

Her cancer journey and family history

Evert was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer in December 2021. She underwent a preventive hysterectomy and double mastectomy soon after. A recurrence was detected in December 2023, and she later said she was cancer‑free in 2024. Her younger sister, Jeanne Evert Dubin, died of ovarian cancer in February 2020 at age 62; the loss prompted Evert to get tested, catching her own illness at an early stage. Evert has called the disease "a sneaky, ugly cancer" because it often remains asymptomatic until late stages.

"Ovarian cancer is relentless, but I will stay optimistic"

“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.”

Evert's legendary rivalry and friendship with Martina Navratilova spanned 14 Grand Slam finals from 1973 to 1988. Their bond, strengthened by shared cancer battles, is the subject of the Netflix documentary "Chris and Martina: The Final Set", set for release on 26 June.