For the second time in the last two years, Chris Evert has been diagnosed with cancer.
The Tennis Hall of Famer said Friday her ovarian cancer returned, adding that she will not broadcast for ESPN at the upcoming Australian Open while undergoing treatment.
'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 released by ESPN. 'Doctors found cancer cells in the same pelvic region. All cells were removed, and I have begun another round of chemotherapy.'
The 68-year-old Evert was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer in December of 2021. 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.
Evert is an 18-time Grand Slam singles champion. The Australian Open begins next month.
For the second time in the last two years, Chris Evert has been diagnosed with cancer
A 16-year-old Chris Evert is pictured at the West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills, Queens in 1971
'I'll be ready for the rest of the Grand Slam season!' Evert said.
She previously revealed her initial cancer diagnosis in January of 2022, insisting at the time that she was optimistic.
'I've lived a very charmed life. Now I have some challenges ahead of me,' Evert said. '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.
'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.'