Wimbledon legend Chris Evert struck by ovarian cancer that killed sister
TENNIS legend Chris Evert has revealed that she is battling ovarian cancer – but hopes to inspire other women by talking publicly about her diagnosis.
The 18-time Grand Slam champion is undergoing six weeks of chemotherapy after a malignant tumour was discovered last month during a preventative hysterectomy.
Since retiring from tennis, the 67-year-old has worked as a television pundit and still hopes to comment on the Australian Open, which begins tomorrow in Melbourne. She said: ‘I wanted to share my stage one ovarian cancer diagnosis and the story behind it as a way to help others. I feel very
‘I just couldn’t believe it – I didn’t feel anything different’
lucky that they caught it early and expect positive results from my chemo plan.’
Her younger sister, former tennis player Jeanne Evert Dubin, died from ovarian cancer in 2020, aged 62. Her cancer had spread before it was discovered because, like many women, she did not have any early noticeable symptoms.
Evert recalled how they had been running through an airport for a flight to the WTA Finals in Singapore in October 2017 when her sister started to struggle with her breath. Jeanne saw a doctor when they returned from the tournament and was diagnosed with late-stage ovarian cancer.
In an article for broadcaster ESPN, Evert said watching her sister undergo treatment had been ‘devastating and traumatising’, adding: ‘When I go into chemo, she is my inspiration. I’ll be thinking of her. And she’ll get me through it.’
In the years since her sister’s diagnosis, there have been major developments in genetic testing. Last October, Evert was advised to have a blood test, which revealed she had a variant of the BRCA1 gene. She had a hysterectomy in December, which led to the discovery of a tumour and the confirmation of stage one ovarian cancer.
Speaking of her diagnosis, Evert said: ‘I just couldn’t believe it. I had been working out, doing CrossFit [workouts], playing tennis. I didn’t feel anything different.’
During her career, Evert was ranked the world No 1 singles player seven times. In total, she won 157 singles titles and 32 doubles titles before retiring in 1989. She is perhaps best known for her fierce rivalry with Czech tennis champion Martina Navratilova. It lasted throughout the 1970s and 1980s and saw them contest more than 80 matches including 60 finals, but off court, they were friends.
Wishing her well yesterday, Ms Navratilova wrote on social media: ‘We are all with you and behind you Chrissie, you are a true champion and I have no doubt you will conquer this nasty opponent with nary a sweat!’
Evert’s surgeon, Dr Joel Cardenas, said that the key to an early diagnosis is regular check-ups, knowing your family history and being aware of other risk factors such as endometriosis. The average age for an ovarian cancer diagnosis is 63.
The retired tennis star said she considered herself ‘lucky’ to be diagnosed early, adding: ‘Be your own advocate. Know your family’s history.
‘Have total awareness of your body, follow your gut and be aware of changes. Don’t try to be a crusader and think this will pass.’