Tennis legend Chris Evert has undergone surgery for a recurrence of ovarian cancer and will not play at Wimbledon this year.
Americans won 18 Grand Slam singles titles between 1974 and 1986, and only Serena Williams (23) and Steffi Graf (22) have won more women’s singles majors in the Open Era.
Ebert, 71, an athlete-turned-professional, was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer in December 2021 and had a recurrence in 2023.
The three-time Wimbledon champion said on Instagram on Thursday: “I have always believed in being open and honest about my health journey.
“After a CT and PET scan last weekend, I found out that my ovarian cancer had returned.
“I have already had surgery as a first step in my treatment and recovery and will begin chemotherapy in the coming weeks.
“For this reason, I will not be competing at Wimbledon this year and will be taking a step back from my professional commitments over the coming months to focus on my health.
“Ovarian cancer is cruel, but I will continue to fight this fight with optimism and determination.
“We are so grateful to our medical team, family, friends and everyone who has reached out with kindness and encouragement. We look forward to seeing everyone soon.”
Martina Navratilova, Evert’s long-time tennis rival and friend, wrote on social media: “My friend Chrissie is the champion of champions so she will kill this monster again.
“We are all here for you and know you will come out on the other side cancer-free again.”
Wimbledon takes place from June 29 to July 12.
