Tennis legend Chris Evert reveals second cancer diagnosis and pulls out of Aussie Open coverage but vows to be back soon
TENNIS legend Chris Evert has revealed that for the second time in two years she has been diagnosed with cancer.
Evert said her ovarian cancer had returned, and she will have to pull out of coverage of the Australian Open.
Evert, 68, revealed that she is tackling the diagnosis with optimism.
She said, via : "While this is a diagnosis I never wanted to hear, I once again feel fortunate that it was caught early.
"Doctors found cancer cells in the same pelvic region. All cells were removed, and I have begun another round of chemotherapy."
Evert was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer in December of 2021.
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She completed chemotherapy in May of 2022, telling the public that her doctor was confident that the disease would not return because it was caught early.
Her 18 Grand Slam titles make her the joint fifth most successful female tennis player of all time in terms of winning majors.
She was due to commentate on the Australian Open, which starts next month but will now take time out to undergo chemotherapy.
She revealed though that she will not be out for too long.
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She added: "I'll be ready for the rest of the Grand Slam season!"
Evert faced her last diagnosis with the same characteristic optimism, and said at the time in January 2022: "I've lived a very charmed life. Now I have some challenges ahead of me. But I have comfort in knowing the chemotherapy is to ensure that cancer does not come back."
Evert's sister, Jeanne Evert Dubin tragically died of ovarian cancer in February 2020 at the age of 62.
On the importance of getting tested for the disease, Chris Evert said: "Be your own advocate. Know your family's history. Have total awareness of your body, follow your gut and be aware of changes.
"Don't try to be a crusader and think this will pass."