Chris Evert: From Tennis Champion to Cancer Awareness Advocate – A Story of Resilience
A Legacy Beyond Tennis
Tennis icon Chris Evert’s legendary status was secured long before she retired, with 18 Grand Slam singles championships to her name. She made history as the first female athlete in any sport to earn $1 million in prize money in a single year in 1976.
Current Health Journey
Now 69, Evert, who dominated tennis rankings in the ’70s and early ’80s, first faced ovarian cancer in 2021. In December 2023, she announced a recurrence of the disease, necessitating a temporary pause in her broadcasting career.
Currently, she is steadily regaining her strength while undergoing maintenance therapy. Evert has become a strong advocate for genetic testing for BRCA mutations, crediting it with saving her life.
New Chapter as Grandmother
At 70, Evert continues to wear multiple hats – as a mother of three sons, an astute commentator for ESPN, the face of the Evert Tennis Academy, and now adds a new role to her resume: grandmother. Seven months ago, she welcomed her grandson Hayden Mill, born to her son Nicholas and wife Rebecca.
Advocacy and Awareness
In a recent exclusive interview, Evert shared her perspective on life after cancer: ‘It does change you when you have a battle like this… I need to live every darn day to the fullest. You know, I’d better start doing only things that I want to do and only things that make me happy. When you have lived through an experience like this, you appreciate that every day is precious. You just don’t know what’s around the corner and the reality is you have no control over it. So live every moment. This feels like a second chance for me’.
Impact on Women’s Health
Her experience reflects a broader reality: studies show that nearly 25% of ovarian cancer patients with early stage disease and 80% with more advanced stages experience a recurrence. Evert’s message to others remains clear: ‘I encourage people to know their family history and get genetic testing. Be your own advocate, and be aware of your body and any signs or signals of something changing’.
