Chris Evert has revealed that her ovarian cancer has returned for a third time. The 71 year old, an 18 time Grand Slam champion, said she will step away from professional duties as she begins another round of chemotherapy. Her diagnosis came after an exploratory procedure following an abnormal scan.

Evert was due to attend Wimbledon but will now miss the tournament in London as she focuses on treatment.

She was first diagnosed with stage 1 BRCA-related ovarian cancer in 2021 and completed chemotherapy the following year. After initially being declared in remission in 2023, the illness returned later that year, and has now resurfaced once again.

One of the most successful players in tennis history, Evert won seven French Open titles, six US Opens and three Wimbledon crowns during her career, along with multiple doubles trophies alongside Martina Navratilova.