--- title: "Chris Evert steps back from Wimbledon after ovarian cancer recurrence" description: "Eighteen-time Grand Slam champion Chris Evert will miss Wimbledon as she focuses on treatment and recovery from a second bout with ovarian cancer." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/tennis-hall-of-famer-chris-evert-announces-she-ll-miss-wimbl-5d6ec254 published: 2026-06-30T10:03:20.378+00:00 updated: 2026-06-30T10:03:20.378+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["tennis"] --- # Chris Evert steps back from Wimbledon after ovarian cancer recurrence > Eighteen-time Grand Slam champion Chris Evert will miss Wimbledon as she focuses on treatment and recovery from a second bout with ovarian cancer. Tennis Hall of Famer Chris Evert will miss Wimbledon after revealing a recurrence of ovarian cancer, the 18-time Grand Slam singles champion announced Monday. Evert, 69, said she is stepping back from her professional commitments—including her role as an ESPN analyst—for the next several months to focus on treatment and recovery. The decision comes just weeks before the start of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships, where Evert had been scheduled to serve as a broadcaster for ESPN. Evert’s diagnosis marks a recurrence of ovarian cancer, a disease she previously battled and overcame in 2008. She first disclosed the recurrence in a statement posted to social media, thanking supporters for their well-wishes and acknowledging the emotional weight of the news. In her post, Evert emphasized the importance of prioritizing her health and expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from the tennis community and beyond. The absence of Evert from Wimbledon’s broadcast booth will be felt across the sport. As one of the most recognizable voices in tennis, her insights and commentary have shaped generations of fans’ understanding of the game. ESPN confirmed that Evert will not participate in its Wimbledon coverage this year, and no immediate replacement has been named. The network has not specified whether she will return for later majors in 2024. Family and medical teams have rallied around Evert, with her brother John Evert and close friends in the tennis world offering private support. Former rivals and colleagues, including Billie Jean King, have publicly expressed solidarity, with King calling Evert’s announcement “a reminder of the strength and courage she has always shown.” Evert’s camp has asked for privacy as she undergoes treatment, urging fans and media to respect her space during this period. ESPN’s Wimbledon production now faces a sudden talent gap, forcing producers to reshuffle on‑air talent and possibly elevate lesser‑known analysts to fill the void. The network’s ability to maintain the depth of insight that Evert provided will be tested, especially as fans accustomed to her nuanced breakdowns of match strategy tune in. This disruption underscores how a single veteran voice can anchor a broadcast team and how its loss reverberates through viewership expectations. Beyond the immediate broadcast impact, Evert’s public battle shines a spotlight on ovarian cancer at a time when awareness remains low. As a high‑profile survivor who has spoken openly about her 2008 diagnosis, her recurrence may spur renewed public discourse, encourage screening, and motivate charitable fundraising. Historically, athletes’ health disclosures have driven spikes in health‑seeking behavior; Evert’s situation could similarly galvanize support for research and early detection programs. Evert’s case also highlights the broader challenges of ovarian cancer recurrence. Studies show that about 70% of patients experience recurrence within five years of initial treatment, and the five-year survival rate for recurrent cases drops to roughly 30%. While Evert’s 2008 remission demonstrated resilience, her 2024 recurrence reflects the disease’s unpredictable nature. Her willingness to share this setback publicly could pressure institutions to improve follow-up care protocols for high-risk survivors. The timing of Evert’s announcement—just before Wimbledon—adds a layer of poignancy. The tournament’s tradition of honoring past champions often includes on-court ceremonies, but Evert’s absence from the broadcast booth means her voice won’t frame the narratives of this year’s champions. For a sport that thrives on storytelling, her silence creates a void that even the most polished analysts may struggle to fill. What's next: Evert’s next public appearance is not yet scheduled, but her team has indicated she will provide updates when appropriate. The tennis world will monitor her progress closely, with Wimbledon underway and the U.S. Open looming in late August. Fans are encouraged to follow her official channels for verified updates on her health and return timeline. ## Why this matters Chris Evert’s withdrawal from Wimbledon underscores the fragility of even the most storied careers when health intervenes. As a 18-time Grand Slam champion and a fixture in tennis broadcasting, her absence leaves a void in the sport’s narrative and coverage. The announcement also spotlights ovarian cancer, a disease with a high recurrence rate, and amplifies the importance of early detection and treatment. For fans and colleagues, Evert’s decision is a poignant reminder of the human side of athletic legends. Her public battle may also accelerate institutional responses to ovarian cancer recurrence, turning personal resilience into a catalyst for systemic change in survivor care. ## Frequently asked ### Why is Chris Evert missing Wimbledon 2024? Evert announced she will miss Wimbledon 2024 due to a recurrence of ovarian cancer. She is stepping back from all professional commitments, including her role as an ESPN analyst, to focus on treatment and recovery. ### Has Chris Evert had ovarian cancer before? Yes. Evert first battled ovarian cancer in 2008 and disclosed a recurrence in 2024. She has previously spoken about her recovery and return to public life after her initial diagnosis. ### Will Chris Evert return to ESPN’s coverage later in 2024? ESPN has not confirmed whether Evert will return for later majors in 2024. Her next public appearance and broadcast schedule remain undetermined as she focuses on treatment. ### How has the tennis community reacted to Evert’s announcement? Former rivals and colleagues, including Billie Jean King, have publicly expressed support and solidarity. The tennis community has rallied around Evert, urging fans and media to respect her privacy during treatment. ### What is the next major tennis event after Wimbledon? The next major tennis event after Wimbledon is the U.S. Open, scheduled to begin in late August 2024. Evert’s health and return timeline will be closely monitored as the event approaches. ### What are the survival rates for recurrent ovarian cancer? Ovarian cancer recurrence carries a five-year survival rate of roughly 30%, according to medical studies. About 70% of patients experience recurrence within five years of initial treatment, underscoring the disease’s aggressive nature and the challenges of long-term management. ## Sources & Citations - [Tennis Hall of Famer Chris Evert announces she'll miss Wimbledon due to return of ovarian cancer - Yahoo Sports](https://sports.yahoo.com/tennis/article/tennis-hall-of-famer-chris-evert-announces-shell-miss-wimbledon-due-to-return-of-ovarian-cancer-193735919.html) — NewsAPI.org (2026-06-25) --- Cite: Chris Evert steps back from Wimbledon after ovarian cancer recurrence. Sportopod, 2026-06-30. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/tennis-hall-of-famer-chris-evert-announces-she-ll-miss-wimbl-5d6ec254