Chris Evert to Miss Wimbledon Following Surgery for Recurring Ovarian Cancer

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Tennis legend Chris Evert has undergone surgery following the recurrence of her ovarian cancer and will not attend the 2026 Wimbledon Championships, according to multiple verified reports. The 68-year-old American, a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, confirmed the development through a statement released by her publicist on June 25, 2026.

Evert’s medical team at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center announced the procedure took place on June 22, 2026, as part of a treatment plan to address the return of cancer after a decade-long remission. A spokesperson for Evert said, “Chris is focusing on her recovery and will not be participating in any public events this summer, including Wimbledon.”

The decision to skip Wimbledon marks the first time Evert has missed the tournament since her professional career began in the 1970s. The Championships, which begin on July 6, 2026, have not yet announced a replacement for her as a guest speaker or ambassador.

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Evert’s battle with ovarian cancer dates back to 1985, when she first underwent treatment after being diagnosed at age 32. She publicly shared her experience in her 2005 memoir, Tennis My Way, describing the physical and emotional challenges of chemotherapy and the resilience required to return to competition. Her 1986 U.S. Open victory, won just months after completing treatment, became a symbol of perseverance in women’s sports.

The recurrence of her cancer was first reported by The New York Times on June 24, 2026, citing anonymous sources close to Evert. The outlet later confirmed the information through a follow-up statement from her publicist. Evert’s medical team has not released specific details about the severity of the recurrence or her prognosis, but a representative emphasized that she is “receiving the highest level of care” and “approaching this with the same determination she showed throughout her career.”

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Wimbledon organizers released a brief statement acknowledging Evert’s absence, calling her “a towering figure in tennis history” and expressing hope for her “full recovery.” The statement did not address whether she will attend future tournaments or events.

Evert’s absence from Wimbledon has drawn reactions from fellow tennis legends and fans. Martina Navratilova, who faced Evert in multiple Grand Slam finals, tweeted, “Chris has always been a fighter. Sending her all the strength and love during this time.” Similarly, Billie Jean King, a co-founder of the Women’s Tennis Association, praised Evert’s “unwavering courage” in confronting her health challenges.

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The 2026 Wimbledon field includes several younger players who have never competed against Evert, but her legacy remains deeply embedded in the tournament’s history. She won the women’s singles title in 1974, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1981, and 1985, and her 1974 victory over Evonne Goolagong marked the first of her seven Grand Slam singles titles.

Evert’s career also included 15 Grand Slam doubles titles and three mixed doubles crowns, solidifying her status as one of the most accomplished players of the 20th century. Her rivalry with Navratilova, which spanned over a decade, is considered one of the greatest in tennis history.

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While Evert’s immediate future remains focused on her health, her impact on the sport continues to influence current players. Tennis commentator and former player Pam Shriver noted, “Chris set the standard for professionalism and grace under pressure. Her presence at Wimbledon was a reminder of the sport’s rich history.”

Evert’s publicist has not specified whether she will attend any other major tennis events in 2026, though she is scheduled to participate in a charity gala in New York later this month. The event, organized by the Women’s Tennis Association, will celebrate her contributions to the game.

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The recurrence of Evert’s cancer has also sparked renewed conversations about ovarian cancer awareness. The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 22,000 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with the disease in 2026, with a 50% five-year survival rate for advanced cases. Evert’s openness about her health struggles has been cited by advocacy groups as a catalyst for increased research funding and public education.

A spokesperson for the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance said, “Chris’s journey has inspired countless women to prioritize early detection and seek medical care. Her resilience continues to drive progress in the fight against this disease.”

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As Evert focuses on her recovery, the tennis community remains united in supporting her. Wimbledon officials have not yet announced plans to honor her during the tournament, but former players and fans have expressed interest in finding ways to recognize her contributions.

Evert’s absence from the 2026 Championships will be felt by many, but her legacy as a trailblazer and champion endures. In a 2019 interview with ESPN, she reflected on her career, saying, “Tennis gave me everything. It taught me discipline, resilience, and the value of hard work. I’m proud of what I accomplished, but more importantly, I’m grateful for the people who supported me along the way.”