Tennis Hall of Famer Evert taking break after cancer returns

Tennis Hall of Famer Chris Evert has been diagnosed with a cancer recurrence and is once again undergoing treatment.

The 18-time Grand Slam champion said in a statement released Friday via ESPN that the cancer was discovered after she underwent a series of medical tests this week. She is an on-air anchor for ESPN.

The release said Evert, who was first diagnosed with early-stage ovarian cancer in December 2021, has started chemotherapy treatments again.

“While this is a diagnosis I never wanted to hear, I once again feel fortunate that it was caught early,” she said in the release. Based on a PET-CT scan, I underwent another robotic surgery last week. The doctors found cancer cells in the same pelvic area. All the cells were removed and I started another series of chemotherapy.

Evert, 68, said she was temporarily stepping away from her ESPN coverage duties to seek treatment and “will not be able to join my colleagues when ESPN returns to Melbourne for the Australian Open this month next”, but says she will. “Ready for the rest of the Grand Slam season!”

Evert won 18 Grand Slam singles titles, reached No. 1 in the WTA rankings and was inducted into the International Hall of Fame in 1995.

Her sister, Jeanne Evert Dubin, died of ovarian cancer in February 2020 at age 62.

“I encourage everyone to know your family history and advocate for you,” Evert said in the release. “Early detection saves lives. Be grateful for your health this holiday season.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.