Chris Evert’s Remarkable Journey: From Tennis Legend to Cancer Survivor and Advocate

A Champion’s Latest Victory

Tennis legend Chris Evert, who was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer in December 2021, faced a second battle with the disease in late 2023. The tennis family rallied around one of their greatest heroines during this challenging period.

After completing another course of treatment, including chemotherapy and surgery, Evert has emerged cancer-free and has returned to her work as a tennis commentator, coach, and charitable fundraiser. As she puts it simply, “You can’t live in fear.”

A Legacy of Excellence and Advocacy

Evert runs a tennis academy in Boca Raton, Florida, continuing to share her expertise with future generations. Her remarkable career statistics speak volumes: she holds the best winning percentage in professional tennis history at .900 (1,309-146). Her consistency was legendary, reaching at least the semifinals in 52 of her 56 Grand Slam appearances.

A New Mission

“It does change you when you have a battle like this,” Evert has shared about her experience. “You know, I’d better start doing only things that I want to do and only things that make me happy. When you have lived through an experience like this, you appreciate that every day is precious. You just don’t know what’s around the corner and the reality is you have no control over it. So live every moment. This feels like a second chance for me, no doubt about it.”

Advocating for Early Detection

Evert has become a powerful voice for cancer awareness, emphasizing the life-saving potential of genetic testing, particularly for those with family history of cancer. Her public battle has encouraged many women to consider testing for BRCA mutations, which significantly increase risk for both ovarian and breast cancers. As she continues her journey, Evert remains committed to sharing her story to help others detect cancer early when treatment outcomes are most favorable.