Tennis legend turned broadcaster Chris Evert will miss the call of the 2024 Australian Open due to her ovarian cancer resurfacing.
It’s the latest in a battle that has now spanned two years since her initial diagnosis.
Evert released a statement confirming she will not make the trip to Australia to call the Open tournament.
“Since I was first diagnosed with cancer two years ago, I’ve been very open about my experience,” Evert wrote Friday in a statement posted by ESPN. “I wanted to give all of you an update. My cancer is back. While this is a diagnosis I never wanted to hear, I once again feel fortunate that it was caught early.”
Evert, who turns 69 on December 21, was initially diagnosed with Stage 1 ovarian cancer in December of 2021, which she confirmed in her January 2022 announcement.
the return of her cancer. Best Image / BACKGRID
“Based on a PET CT scan, I underwent another robotic surgery this past week,” she continued, detailing her current state. “Doctors found cancer cells in the same pelvic region. All cells were removed, and I have begun another round of chemotherapy. I will be unable to join my colleagues when ESPN makes its return to Melbourne for the Australian Open next month. But I’II be ready for the rest of the Grand Slam season! I encourage everyone to know your family history and advocate for yourself. Early detection saves lives. Be thankful for your health this holiday season.”
This announcement comes nearly one year after she was declared cancer free in January.
Evert’s sister Jeanne, who was also a professional tennis player, passed away because of ovarian cancer in February of 2020 at 62 years old.
The elder Evert was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1995 after retiring in 1989 from a playing career spanning nearly 20 years.
Evert rose to the world No. 1 rankings and won 18 major singles titles throughout the course of her career.
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