Chris Evert shared a heartbreaking health update, revealing that her ovarian cancer has returned once again just days before the start of Wimbledon. The news prompted an outpouring of support from across the tennis world, including from Martina Navratilova; her wife, Julia Lemigova; and several others.
Evert was first diagnosed with Stage 1C ovarian cancer in late 2021 after doctors discovered the disease during a preventive procedure. Following chemotherapy, she announced she was cancer-free in 2022. The cancer resurfaced in 2023, leading to another round of treatment, after which she again reported positive progress.
However, Evert revealed on Thursday, June 25, via Instagram that the disease has returned for a second time. As she prepares to begin chemotherapy, the 18-time Grand Slam champion will be unable to fulfil her commentary duties for ESPN during Wimbledon.
Among those to react was Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert’s longtime friend and legendary rival, who left an emotional message under the post:
“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.”
Navratilova’s wife, Julia Lemigova, added:
“Thinking of you, Chrissie, and sending love.”
Check out Navratilova, Lemigova, and reactions from the tennis world below:
How Chris Evert & Martina Navratilova Grew Closer Through Their Shared Cancer Struggles
Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova, two of tennis’ greatest rivals with 18 Grand Slam singles titles each, also share a deeply personal connection beyond the sport: both have faced cancer. Their experiences and friendship were highlighted in the Netflix documentary ‘Chris & Martina: The Final Set,’ where Evert revealed that going through similar battles brought them even closer.
Evert said:
“When we got cancer together it really cemented our lasting friendship. Martina and I hung in there with each other, through the bad times and the good times. I think it is a testament to friendship. There is no going back. We are always going to be tight now.”
“You feel like it is never going to pass. There’s no competition of whose cancer was worse. We’re in the same boat and we were there for each other. We are like siamese twins without being connected. You don’t ever know how much it is going to hit you one way or the other. You don’t realise how much of a strain it is until it is not there anymore,” Navratilova added.
Navratilova was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010 and successfully treated before later facing a recurrence of breast cancer along with throat cancer in 2023, and eventually confirming she was cancer-free after treatment.
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