“I felt so anxious, I prayed a lot to my sister... I was so scared" - When Chris Evert opened up about harrowing cancer diagnosis and overcoming it

Chris Evert once opened up about her cancer diagnosis and her journey to overcome it. She spoke about how she prayed extensively during this challenging time, often reaching out in her thoughts to her sister Jeanne, who had succumbed to the same disease.

Evert was first diagnosed with early-stage ovarian cancer in 2021, following the death of her sister Jeanne in February 2020. Jeanne's illness was discovered too late for effective treatment.

After Jeanne's death, genetic testing revealed Evert had the BRCA1 mutation, significantly increasing her risk of ovarian and breast cancers. Acting on this information, she opted for preventative surgeries, including a hysterectomy, during which her ovarian cancer was detected early.

The American kept her fighting spirit high and successfully treated it in 2022. However, her cancer returned in December of that year, at stage 1 again. It was detected early, but it ultimately prevented her from fulfilling her broadcasting duties at the 2024 Australian Open.

While speaking to The Guardian, Chris Evert reflected on the moments she spent waiting for the results of her second diagnosis. She described feeling "scared" and "anxious," adding:

"I felt so anxious because I had no control over the situation. I prayed a lot, and I prayed to my sister Jeanne. I was also shocked, like I was in a fog, and I was so scared I used my powers on the court and tried to block it out a little."

Evert became cancer-free for the second time in July 2024.

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Chris Evert pens heartfelt note for sister Jeanne after her death

Chris Evert pictured at the 2024 French Open | Image Source: Getty

Chris Evert was deeply close to her sister Jeanne and was understandably heartbroken when Jeanne passed away from ovarian cancer in February 2020. The 18-time Grand Slam champion shared her feelings on Instagram, writing:

"One week ago today, my beautiful sister, Jeanne, passed away. She fought a courageous and painful 2 1/2 year battle against ovarian cancer. Her unwavering faith helped her through the toughest of times."

She added:

"She was everything to me. We grew up together, played on the tour together, raised our kids together; we were as close as sisters could be. Her spirit will always live within me and Heaven is now a better place."

Jeanne herself was a professional tennis player, achieving a career-high WTA ranking of 28th in 1978 and ninth in the United States in 1974. Her best performance was reaching the third round of the US Open in 1973 and 1978.