Tennis great Evert undergoes surgery as cancer returns

Tennis legend Chris Evert has undergone surgery following the return of her ovarian cancer and will not attend Wimbledon this year.

The American won 18 Grand Slam singles titles between 1974 and 1986, with only Serena Williams (23) and Steffi Graf (22) claiming more women's singles majors in the Open era.

Player-turned-pundit Evert, 71, was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer in December 2021 and it returned in 2023.

Writing on Instagram on Thursday, the three-time Wimbledon champion said: "I have always believed in being open and honest about my health journey.

"This past weekend, after undergoing CT and PET scans, I learned my ovarian cancer has returned.

"I have already undergone surgery as the first step in my treatment and recovery, and will begin chemotherapy in the coming weeks.

"Because of this, I will not be attending Wimbledon this year, and I will step back from my professional commitments over the next few months to focus on my health.

"Ovarian cancer is relentless, but I will stay optimistic and determined in continuing to fight this battle.

"I am deeply grateful to my medical team, my family, friends and everyone who has reached out with kindness and encouragement. I look forward to seeing everyone very soon."

Evert's long-time tennis rival and friend Martina Navratilova wrote on social media: "My friend Chrissie is a champion of champions and as such she will slay this monster again.

"We are all pulling for you, and know you will come out on the other side cancer free again."

Wimbledon runs from June 29 to July 12.