Wimbledon winner confirms cancer return in statement as health update given
A three-time Wimbledon champion has confirmed that her ovarian cancer has returned and that she will not be attending this year's tournament as she receives treatment18:21, 25 Jun 2026Updated 19:50, 25 Jun. . .
A three-time Wimbledon champion has confirmed that her ovarian cancer has returned and that she will not be attending this year's tournament as she receives treatment18:21, 25 Jun 2026Updated 19:50, 25 Jun 2026Three-timeWimbledonchampion Chris Everthas delivered a devastating health update, confirming that herovarian cancerhas returned. The 71-year-oldtennisicon, who claimed glory on the courts of SW19 in 1974, 1976 and 1981, took to X on Thursday afternoon to share her diagnosis, while also revealing that she will be absent from next week's tournament as she undergoes treatment. She wrote: "I have always believed in being open and honest about my health journey. This past weekend, after undergoing CT and PET scans, I learned that my ovarian cancer has returned. "I have already undergone surgery as the first step in my treatment and recovery, and will begin chemotherapy in the coming weeks. "Because of this, I will not be attending Wimbledon this year, and I will step back from my professional commitments over the next few months to focus on my health. 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 was first diagnosed with cancer in 2021, fewer than two years after losing her sister to the disease. She went on to have a preventative double mastectomy in December 2022 after discovering that she carried the BRCA gene. In 2023, Evert discovered that her cancer had returned, and she underwent treatment once again before overcoming the disease the following year. A tennis legend, Evert's absence will be felt at this year's edition of Wimbledon. The Fort Lauderdale-born star hung up her racket in 1989 with an impressive collection of 18 Grand Slam singles titles, alongside three further doubles crowns. She also secured eight Fed Cups between 1977 and 1989, in addition to four Tour Finals spanning 1972 to 1977. Boasting a remarkable total of 157 singles titles, Evert also reached world No. 1 in November 1975 - a thoroughly deserved accolade reserved for tennis's finest. In the wake of her recent diagnosis, numerous fellow professionals were swift to offer their messages of support to Evert. The WTA's official Instagram account posted: "Thinking of you and sending you all the love," accompanied by a green heart emoji, while Ana Navarro-Cardenas commented: "We are all in your corner. Sending you strength. "Article continues belowMartina Navratilova said: "My friend Chrissie is a champion of champions and as such she will slay this monster again. "We are all pulling for you, and know you will come out on the other side cancer free again - lots of love, m. "Meanwhile, Malika Andrews wrote: "Your health is the most important thing, my friend. Sending you so much love and positivity," while Monica Puig responded: "Sending you all the love and good vibes," with a red heart.