Stars back Evert in cancer battle
CHRIS EVERT revealed she has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and is undergoing treatment.
The disease was spotted in early December when the 18-time Grand Slam singles champion had a preventative hysterectomy because she was at risk of the cancer that killed her sister.
Evert, 67, who had the first of six rounds of chemotherapy this month, said she feels incredibly fortunate that the cancer was caught before it spread.
‘I am so lucky,’ she told ESPN, for whom she works as a pundit. ‘I have some challenges ahead of me but I have comfort in knowing the chemotherapy is to ensure that cancer does not come back.’
Evert’s younger sister Jeanne died of the same disease two years ago but the family were initially informed that genetic testing had not flagged up anything sinister.
However, in October Evert was told to seek more information and a blood test showed she, too, had a pathogenic variant of the gene, which led to the hysterectomy and the discovery of a tumour.
Evert said of Jeanne: ‘When I go into chemo, she is my inspiration. I’ll be thinking of her and she’ll get me through it.’
Messages of support immediately appeared on social media, with Evert’s long-time rival and friend Martina Navratilova tweeting: ‘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!’
American player Madison Keys wrote: ‘So glad you’re doing ok now @ChrissieEvert! Sending you lots of love.’
Laura Robson tweeted: ‘Wishing you all the best for a speedy recovery. Good luck Chrissie!’