Tennis legend Chris Evert announced on Thursday that her ovarian cancer has returned for the third time, forcing her to withdraw from her upcoming Wimbledon commitments.
The announcement came as the All England Club in London hosted the official screening of her new Netflix documentary, "Chris & Martina: The Final Set."
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Director Rebecca Gitlitz read a statement from Evert at the start of the event, explaining her absence and medical plans.
"I have already had surgery as the first step in my treatment and recovery, and I will begin chemotherapy in the coming weeks.
That is why I will not be at Wimbledon this year and will be stepping back from my professional commitments over the next few months to focus on my health," the statement said.
The former world No. 1 said her renewed health struggles deepen the emotional message of the film.
"The fact that I have cancer magnifies the message of this documentary: Cancer strips you raw, but it leaves you with what matters most," Evert wrote.
Evert also shared a personal message she sent to her longtime rival Martina Navratilova before the screening.
"Go to Wimbledon for me, Martina. We have been together through our careers, through the documentary and through cancer," Evert said.
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Navratilova, visibly emotional at the Media Theatre, said she would pray for her friend.
"I don't pray, but I am going to pray for Chris," Navratilova said.
The tennis icon attended the screening on Evert's behalf, as Evert insisted the celebration go on despite her absence.
"This was supposed to be a celebration… Chris had to cancel and she told me: 'You have to be there, go.'
I am here for her," Navratilova said.
Navratilova, who overcame breast and throat cancer in 2024 while Evert was in remission, ended the screening with a strong message of support.
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"Third time's the charm — because Chrissy is a champion, and she will do it again. She will beat this horrible disease," Navratilova said.
