Tennis legend Martina Navratilova got emotional during Wimbledon coverage, speaking about her close friend Chris Evert, who’s bravely battling ovarian cancer for the third time. The spotlight shifted during the discussion after Coco Gauff’s tense semi-final match with Karolina Muchova. Navratilova, fighting back tears, shared, “Chris just started the treatment, third time cancer, she will be OK. It’s tough, I cannot talk about it without crying because we just found out before the tournament that the cancer came back, but she will be OK. She’s tough as nails.”
The absence of Evert, skipping Wimbledon to focus on her health, was felt deeply among tennis elites. BBC host Clare Balding and Billie Jean King applauded Evert’s strength, sharing heartfelt messages from Chris herself. Evert remains optimistic, saying she might face it six more times, but it’s “not a death sentence at all”.
Evert, 71, who first faced ovarian cancer in December 2021, shared the news about her recurring cancer and recent surgery on social media. In her post, she emphasized her commitment to being open about her journey, thanking her medical team and supporters for their encouragement. As she steps back from public commitments to focus on her health, Evert’s resilience and determination continue to inspire the world. Let’s keep cheering for Chris as she shows us the true meaning of being a champion. 💪🎾
Join us in sending love and support to this tennis icon. 💚 #ChrisEvert #Wimbledon #TennisChampions