Tennis legend Chris Evert reveals a diagnosis of ovarian cancer

Tennis legend Chris Evert revealed on Friday that he had been diagnosed with stage 1C ovarian cancer.

Evert, 67, said in a statement that he felt “very lucky” that the doctors got the cancer early.

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Chris Evert will provide an analysis of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 8, 2021 in London.
(Karwai Tang / WireImage)

“I wanted to share my stage 1 ovarian cancer diagnosis and the story behind it as a way to help others. I am very lucky that they caught it early and expect positive results from my chemotherapy plan,” she said. “Thank you to Chris McKendry for his friendship and for writing this very personal story with me. And thank you all for respecting my need to focus on my health and care plan. You see me from home sometimes during ESPN. Aussi Open news coverage.”

In the story ESPN expanding his diagnosis, Evert said the cancer was found after preventative hysterectomy. The cancer has not been found anywhere else in his body.

“I’ve been living a very charming life. Now I have challenges ahead of me. But I’m comforted by the knowledge that chemotherapy is making sure the cancer doesn’t come back,” Evert said.

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Chris Evert will speak at the induction ceremony at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, RI on Saturday, July 12, 2014.
(AP Photo / Michael Dwyer, file)

Evert, an ESPN analyst, who won 18 Grand Slam tournaments, was formerly number one on the WTA list and was elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1995.

Her sister Jeanne Evert Dubin died of ovarian cancer in February 2020 at the age of 62.

“Be your own lawyer. Know your family’s history. Be fully aware of your body, follow your insides and be aware of the changes,” Evert said. “Don’t try to be a crusader and think this will pass.”

Tennis legend Billie Jean King tweeted encouraging thoughts to Evert.

Chris Evert competes in the 1988 French Open.
(Via Dimitri Iundt / Corbis / VCG Getty Images)

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“You’re unique, and so many love you,” King tweeted.

The Associated Press participated in this report.