Bad news from Chris Evert. The now 68-year-old American tennis legend released a short statement telling US broadcaster ESPN (where the 18-time Slam winner is a commentator) that she cannot be on the team for the next Australian Open, since she has undergone another operation to remove a tumor that has recurred in the same location two years later.
“Since I was diagnosed with cancer two years ago, I have been completely open about my experiences. I wanted to share with you any updates about my situation. The cancer is back. Although it’s a diagnosis I never wanted to hear, I’m glad it was found at an early stage. I had robotic surgery last week based on a PET-CT scan. Doctors found cancer cells in the same pelvic region as last time. The cells were removed and I started chemotherapy. I won’t be able to join my colleagues when ESPN returns to Melbourne for the Australian Open next month, but I will be ready for the other Slams of the season! Everyone needs to be aware of their family history and check themselves. Detecting disease in its early stages saves lives. Be healthy this holiday season,” Evert’s full message read.
In the last few months, Chris has been very active, showing her complaints and treatments with photos and videos in order to raise people’s awareness of the topic of prevention and health. We can only wish one of the strongest and most successful tennis players in history all the best.
