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11 months ago
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Novak Djokovic has sent a message of support to Chris Evert after the tennis great was diagnosed with cancer for the second time in two years.
The 68-year-old, who won 18 singles Grand Slam tournaments, revealed last week her ovarian cancer had returned, adding that she will not broadcast for ESPN at the upcoming Australian Open while undergoing treatment.
'Sending prayers and strength to Chris Evert,' Djokovic posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
Evert was first diagnosed with stage 1 BRCA-related ovarian cancer in December of 2021.
She completed chemotherapy in May of the following year, telling the public that her doctor was confident that the disease would not return because it was caught early.
Novak Djokovic shared his support for Chris Evert after she was diagnosed with cancer
The tennis great revealed last week her ovarian cancer had returned, two years after she was first diagnosed in December 2021
'While this is a diagnosis I never wanted to hear, I once again feel fortunate that it was caught early, Evert said in a statement issued through ESPN.
'Doctors found cancer cells in the same pelvic region. All cells were removed, and I have begun another round of chemotherapy.
'I will be unable to join my colleagues when ESPN makes its return to Melbourne for the Australian Open next month. But I'll be ready for the rest of the Grand Slam season!
'I encourage everyone to know your family history and advocate for yourself. Early detection saves lives. Be thankful for your health this holiday season.'
She previously revealed her initial cancer diagnosis in January of 2022, insisting at the time that she was optimistic about the 'challenges' that lay ahead of her.
'I've lived a very charmed life. Now I have some challenges ahead of me,' the six-time US Open winner said at the time.
'But I have comfort in knowing the chemotherapy is to ensure that cancer does not come back.'
Her sister, Jeanne Evert Dubin, died from ovarian cancer in February 2020 at age 62.
Evert was diagnosed with a BRCA-1 variant of ovarian cancer back in November of 2021
Evert's sister, Jeanne, died from the same variant of the cancer that was found too late
'Be your own advocate. Know your family's history. Have total awareness of your body, follow your gut and be aware of changes,' Evert said in 2022. 'Don't try to be a crusader and think this will pass.'
She added that when her sister was first diagnosed, doctors didn't recommend her or her siblings get tested.
'Jeanne wasn't BRCA positive, but genetic testing revealed she had a BRCA-1 variant that was of "uncertain significance.",' she said.
'Then, last November, I got a call saying they had reclassified her BRCA variant -- the significance was no longer uncertain, it was now very clearly pathogenic, and we should be tested.'
English (US)