It has been more than three decades since Chris Evert put her racquet to rest and called it quits on her on-court battles. But unfortunately, her off-court battle is yet to be over. Nevertheless, the former World No. 1 who once established her dominance on-court is not ready to let a sickness get the best of her! Battling against the recurrent ovarian cancer that tries to dampen her spirit, Chris Evert holds her head high with no “complaints.”

“The first four or five days I feel like crap and I’m nauseous and weak and I have bone aches. But after four or five days it goes away, and then I have two and a half weeks to feel OK before my next one. With the improvements they’ve made with chemo over the last 25 to 30 years, I can’t complain,” Chris Evert told the New York Times in an interview, showcasing her positive outlook amid the challenging times. 

Overcoming the dreadful disease for the second time in her life, Chris Evert is back in action once again. However, the road to her destination has been anything but easy. The 69-year-old former American tennis player who ruled the courts since 1972 had a major fight to win off-court when she received her diagnosis of stage 1 ovarian cancer in December 2021. What began as a preventive hysterectomy measure after her sister Jeanne’s death (due to ovarian cancer in 2020) turned into something she never expected. “I was in a fog, and I was so scared I used my powers on the court and tried to block it out a little,” she once opened up about her struggles.

However, like a champion, the 18 major titles winner in tennis, did not give up! Instead, mimicking her on-court mindset of winning every challenge, Evert overpowered her disease and emerged victorious! “I encourage everyone to know your family history and advocate for yourself,” she later said. A believer in sharing awareness about ovarian cancer with the world, Evert underwent surgery and a difficult series of chemotherapy treatments. 

And when doctors informed her about her remission and 94% chance of recovery, Evert felt relieved. However, soon the American, who is now an ESPN commentator, resumed her work and, once again found herself in the same position. After a year, Chris Evert’s CT scan revealed the recurrence of a cancerous mass once again (last year). Nevertheless, after a second set of chemotherapy, which was originally scheduled for six rounds but was reduced to four (due to an allergic reaction), she is once again cancer-free! However, Chris Evert shared how she is optimistic yet cautious about her cancer journey.

Chris Evert does not want to “live in fear”

The seven-time French Open winner, Chris Evert, who has remained at the top of tennis for 260 weeks, is not going to let a sickness define her life. Therefore, although she is aware of the chances of the sickness returning once again, Evert admits, “You can’t live in fear. I just have to keep exercising, try and be as healthy as I can, and be up on all my CT scans and my appointments with the doctor.”

Nevertheless, Chris Evert has once again resumed her work of commentary and has already entertained the audience at the French Open! And after Wimbledon, her schedule involves the U.S. Open as well. After all, she is not the one to succumb to her disease. Instead, as Evert herself admitted, “I’m not going to stop living my life. I’m going to keep going and keep going.” Hopefully, Chris Evert continues with the same vigor and emerges a true champion in all fields!