Just In: Chris Evert makes emotional remark amid Ovarian cancer recovery for the third time as tennis world misses American legend in US Open commentary
Tennis legend Chris Evert’s absence from the US Open commentary booth has been felt across the tennis world, with the American legend making an emotional admission amid her cancer recovery journey. In June 2026, Evert revealed that her ovarian cancer has returned for a third time, which she learned after undergoing CT and PET scans.
Since her retirement in 1989, the 71-year-old has been a regular television pundit for the BBC and ESPN. After learning about the recurrence of her ovarian cancer, Evert stepped down from all her professional commitments to prioritize her health, including her Wimbledon and US Open coverage. American journalist Jon Wertheim noted Evert’s absence from the commentary section.
He stated that after listening to the 18-time Grand Slam champion’s voice in the USTA Foundation commercials, it made him realize how much the tennis world misses Evert at the US Open.
“Hearing her voice on the USTA Foundation commercials reminds us that @ChrissieEvert is a) so thoroughly decent and charitable and oozing with grace b) so thoroughly missed here,” Wertheim wrote.
Evert, who joined ESPN in 2011 and covers multiple tournaments for the network, expressed her gratitude to Wertheim while admitting that she misses commentating too.
“Thank you for your kind words… Jon❤️
Thank you, Jon, miss you, too😔,” Evert added
Tennis fans also agreed with Wertheim’s statement. One of the fans hoped for her return to commentary at the next US Open.
“No question about it. There is no other like Chrissie, and we will be so happy to have her back at the Open next year.”
Here are a few more fan reactions:
“Agree. She is definitely missed. Seems weird not to hear her….”
“He is absolutely correct and you remain one of my all time favorites on the court and off!”
In June 2026, Chris Evert revealed that she has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer for the third time, and she has already undergone surgery. Undeterred by the huge setback, Evert stated that she focused on remaining positive and thanked her doctors and family.
