Tennis Hall of Famer Chris Evert announced on Friday that she will be taking a temporary hiatus from her role as an on-air announcer for ESPN. The reason behind her decision is the return of her cancer, which she had previously revealed in January 2022.

Evert, 68, who has won 18 Grand Slam tournaments and is a former No. 1 in the WTA rankings, shared the update through a statement released by ESPN. She expressed her openness about her cancer journey, stating, "Since I was first diagnosed with cancer two years ago, I've been very open about my experience." Evert added, "My cancer is back. While this is a diagnosis I never wanted to hear, I once again feel fortunate it was caught early."

Following a PET CT scan, Evert underwent another successful robotic surgery in the past week. Doctors discovered cancer cells in the same pelvic region but were able to remove them entirely. With the surgery complete, Evert has now started another round of chemotherapy.

Evert's absence from ESPN's upcoming coverage of the Australian Open in January is a result of her ongoing treatment. However, she assured fans that she will be ready for the remainder of the Grand Slam season. Evert has been a valued analyst for ESPN since 2011, and her absence will undoubtedly be felt by viewers.

The tennis star also noted the significance of this disease in her family. Her sister, Jeanne Evert Dubin, passed away from ovarian cancer in February 2020 at the age of 62. Evert's personal experience with cancer has driven her to urge everyone to be proactive with their health. In her op-ed for ESPN in January 2023, she shared that she was "cancer-free" and expressed a "90% chance that the ovarian cancer will never come back." Evert emphasized the importance of knowing one's family history and advocating for oneself, stating, "Early detection saves lives."

As the tennis world sends their love and support to the legendary Chris Evert, fans hope for her swift recovery and eagerly await her return to the ESPN booth. In the meantime, Evert's resilience and determination continue to serve as an inspiration to all facing their own health battles.