Evert says she has cancer

Former tennis star Chris Evert says she was diagnosed with an early stage of ovarian cancer.

The 67-year-old Evert revealed the illness in a story posted Friday on ESPN.com; she is an on-air announcer for ESPN.

She learned of the cancer last month and began chemotherapy treatments this week.

“I’ve lived a very charmed life. Now I have some challenges ahead of me,” Evert said. “But I have comfort in knowing the chemotherapy is to ensure that cancer does not come back.”

Evert won 18 Grand Slam singles titles, reached No. 1 in the

WTA rankings and was inducted into the International Hall of Fame in 1995.

Her sister, Jeanne Evert Dubin,

died from ovarian cancer in February 2020 at age 62.

“Be your own advocate. Know your family’s history. Have total awareness of your body, follow your gut and be aware of changes,” Evert said in the ESPN story. “Don’t try to be a crusader and think this will pass.”

DURANT FINED 15G

Kevin Durant has been fined $15,000 for using profane language during an interview after the Nets’ 114-108 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night.

The NBA announced the fine on Friday, saying Durant declined to participate in an interview with the league about the incident.

The star forward had 28 points and 10 rebounds for the Nets in the loss. Brooklyn has played five games in the past week because of COVID-19-related schedule adjustments, going 2-3 in those contests.

ISLES’ JOHNSTON SUSPENDED

Islanders forward Ross Johnston was suspended for three games without pay by the NHL on Friday for an illegal check to the head against Devils forward

A.J. Greer.

Johnston was assessed a minor penalty for illegal check to the head early in the first period of the Islanders’ 3-2 home victory Thursday night.

The suspension will cost Johnston $15,000. The 6-foot-5 left wing has two assists in nine games this season.