Tennis icon Chris Evert, 68, to break from sport after confirming cancer return
Tennis icon Chris Evert will not spearhead ESPN’s coverage of the Australian Open after confirming that her cancer has returned.
The 68-year-old was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer in December 2021 and underwent chemotherapy in an effort to battle the disease. She said that her doctor was confident that it would not return after catching it early.
However, Evert has now confirmed in a statement that she now needs to undergo further treatment and will take a step back from all forms of broadcasting as a result. “Since I was first diagnosed with cancer two years ago, I’ve been very open about my experience,” she confirmed in a statement released by ESPN.
“I wanted to give all of you an update. My cancer is back. While this is a diagnosis I never wanted to hear, I once again feel fortunate that it was caught early. 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 will be unable to join my colleagues when ESPN makes its return to Melbourne for the Australian Open next month.
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“But I’ll be ready for the rest of the Grand Slam season! I encourage everyone to know your family history and advocate for yourself. Early detection saves lives. Be thankful for your health this holiday season.”
The news means that Evert will miss the upcoming Australian Open. The tournament gets underway on Sunday, January 14. Evert’s family have a history of ovarian cancer. Her sister, Jeanne Evert Dubin, died from the disease in February 2020 at the age of 62.
Chris Evert (L) has acted as a commentator for ESPN since 2011 (Getty Images)Where do you think Chris Evert ranks in the best tennis players of all time? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Chris won 18 grand slams during her playing career and was named the world’s number one tennis player in 1975. Her first major title came in 1974 at the French Open, before she added the Wimbledon title to her collection later that year.
Evert claimed the world number one ranking in 1974 and held the position for five years. She dropped to second in 1979 before reclaiming top spot for 1980 and 1981.
She eventually retired from tennis in 1989. Following her career on the court, she opened the Evert Tennis Academy with her brother John.
Evert initially joined ESPN as a commentator back in 2011 and has held the role ever since. Earlier this year, she presented the 2023 Women's French Open Singles tournament trophy to Iga Świątek at Roland-Garros.
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