Tennis legend Chris Evert says her cancer has returned, two years after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
American Evert, 68, was first diagnosed in December 2021 after a preventative hysterectomy and said in January 2023 she was “cancer-free”.
The 18-time Grand Slam singles champion says she will now undergo another round of chemotherapy.
“While this is a diagnosis I never wanted to hear, I again feel fortunate it was caught early,” Evert said.
Evert released the statement through ESPN, who she works for as a pundit.
She said she will not travel to the Australian Open, which begins on 14 January, but added she would be “ready for the rest of the Grand Slam season”.
Her former playing rival, Martina Navratilova, previously credited Evert with supporting her when she was diagnosed with throat and breast cancer in 2022.
“Since I was first diagnosed with cancer two years ago, I’ve been very open about my experience,” Evert said.
Evert won a women’s record seven French Open singles titles and a joint-record six US Open titles, along with three Wimbledon titles and two at the Australian Open.
The former world number one has worked as a pundit since retiring in 1989.
