Eighteen-time Grand Slam champion Chris Evert has been identified with a recurrence of most cancers and is present process remedy, she mentioned in a press release on Friday.
“Whereas this can be a prognosis I by no means wished to listen to, I as soon as once more really feel lucky that it was caught early,” Evert mentioned in a press release launched by way of ESPN, and in addition shared on her feed on the X social media platform.
“Based mostly on a PET CT scan, I underwent one other robotic surgical procedure this previous week. Medical doctors discovered most cancers cells in the identical pelvic area. All cells have been eliminated, and I’ve begun one other spherical of chemotherapy.”
Evert, 68, mentioned in January of 2022 that she had been identified with ovarian most cancers. Her youthful sister, Jeanne Evert Dubin, died of the identical illness in February of 2020 on the age of 62.
Evert mentioned she would step away from her commentating work with ESPN and “will probably be unable to hitch my colleagues when ESPN makes its return to Melbourne for the Australian Open subsequent month.”
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Nevertheless, she mentioned she could be “prepared for the remainder of the Grand Slam season!”
Evert was a dominant determine in ladies’s tennis within the Seventies, incomes 157 WTA singles titles and reaching at the very least the semifinals in 52 of 56 Grand Slam tournaments wherein she performed.
Her two-handed backhand and ruthless precision from the baseline influenced generations of ladies gamers. Her rivalry with Martina Navratilova, stretching from 1973 till 1988 and together with 14 Grand Slam last clashes, is among the best in sports activities historical past.
Since retiring, Evert has labored as a tv commentator, and she or he has additionally been a mentor to proficient younger gamers navigating the early levels of their WTA careers.
Evert, who found by way of genetic testing that she was in danger for most cancers, mentioned early detection was key.
“I encourage everybody to know your loved ones historical past and advocate for your self,” Evert mentioned. “Early detection saves lives. Be glad about your well being this vacation season.”