Former tennis champion Chris Evert has been diagnosed with cancer at the age of 67.
“I have been diagnosed with stage 1 ovarian cancer,” tweeted the American player, winner of 18 Grand Slam titles in the 60s and 70s. “I feel very lucky that he was spotted in time.”
https://t.co/LVUsO3QqfD pic.twitter.com/B8WwKxsFmc
— Chris Evert (@ChrissieEvert) January 15, 2022
Now a consultant for the ESPN channel, Chris Evert explained that his cancer was discovered following a preventive hysterectomy in early December. It is at a very early stage and has not been detected elsewhere in his body.
The former champion had two operations and started chemotherapy. Her surgeon, Dr. Joel Cardenas, assured that there was “over a 90% chance” that her cancer would never come back after these sessions.
Chris Evert’s younger sister, Jeanne Evert Dubin, died of ovarian cancer at age 62 in February 2020. “When I go for chemo, she’s my inspiration,” Chris Evert said. “She will help me get through this ordeal.”
Considered one of the greatest tenniswomen in history, Chris Evert is known for her precise play and her composure. She has the highest winning percentage in tennis, both men and women (90.05%). She is the fourth player to have won the most single major titles (22), behind Serena Williams, Steffi Graf and Martina Navratilova, her eternal rival on the courts.