Chris Evert: From Court Champion to Cancer Advocate

January 26, 2026 – Christine Marie Evert, whose name is synonymous with grace and grit on the tennis court, has navigated one of her most challenging matches off it. Now 71, the 18-time Grand Slam champion, having twice battled and overcome ovarian cancer, has channeled her legendary focus into a crusade for health awareness, urging women to know their family history and consider genetic testing.

A Legacy Forged in Clay and Conviction

Chris Evert’s tennis career remains one of the sport’s gold standards. Dominating the women’s game throughout the 1970s and 1980s, she held the world No. 1 ranking for 260 weeks and won 157 singles titles. Her record 18 major singles championships include a record seven French Open titles and six US Open crowns. Alongside her great rival and friend Martina Navratilova, Evert defined an era, their epic 80-match rivalry captivating the world. Known for her unshakable composure and lethal two-handed backhand, “The Ice Maiden” retired in 1989 with a career winning percentage of nearly 90%, one of the highest in history.

The Personal Battle: A Sister’s Legacy

Evert’s life took a profound turn following the death of her younger sister, Jeanne, from ovarian cancer in 2020. At her sister’s oncologist’s urging, Evert underwent genetic testing and discovered she carried the same pathogenic BRCA1 gene mutation, which significantly increases the risk of breast and ovarian cancers. What was intended as a preventative hysterectomy in late 2021 revealed a shocking diagnosis: Stage 1 ovarian cancer was already present.

“It is only because of the genetic road map my sister left behind that we caught my cancer early enough to do something about it,” Evert has said. She underwent six rounds of chemotherapy and, later, a preventative double mastectomy. After declaring herself cancer-free in 2023, she received a second diagnosis in December of that year. Following another round of treatment, she announced she was once again cancer-free in 2024.

Key Facts: Chris Evert

Life After Tennis: Commentary, Coaching, and Advocacy

Evert remains deeply embedded in the tennis world. She is a lead analyst for ESPN’s Grand Slam coverage, offering insights shaped by her unparalleled experience. She also co-owns and is actively involved with the Evert Tennis Academy. In 2019, she was appointed chair of the USTA Foundation, the charitable arm of the United States Tennis Association. However, her most powerful platform today is as a health advocate. She speaks candidly about her cancer journey to destigmatize genetic testing and emphasize the life-saving potential of early detection, a mission she feels was gifted to her by her sister.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chris Evert’s health status as of 2026?

Based on her latest public updates, Chris Evert is cancer-free. After a recurrence in late 2023, she underwent treatment and was declared cancer-free again in 2024. She continues with regular monitoring.

How did Chris Evert find out she had cancer?

Evert discovered she had the BRCA1 gene mutation through genetic testing, which she pursued after her sister Jeanne died of ovarian cancer in 2020. This led to a preventative hysterectomy, during which doctors unexpectedly found Stage 1 ovarian cancer in her fallopian tubes in December 2021.

What is Chris Evert’s greatest tennis achievement?

Among many, her record of winning at least one Grand Slam singles title for 13 consecutive years (1974-1986) stands out for its remarkable consistency. Her seven French Open titles also remain a women’s singles record.

What is Evert doing now?

Chris Evert works as a tennis commentator for ESPN, serves as chair of the USTA Foundation, is involved with her tennis academy, and is a dedicated advocate for cancer awareness, genetic testing, and early detection.