“My doctor told me I won’t die from this.” And just like that, Chris Evert didn’t fall off to the other side. But, beating cancer took more than that, it took a lot of resilience. The American legend, a year after successfully riding the second wave of her cancer diagnosis, is now fully recovered and naturally, grateful.

Nearly two years ago, the 18-time Grand Slam champion aired that ovarian cancer, which had killed her younger sister Jeanne Evert, also a tennis professional, in 2020, had entered her system. She detailed her diagnosis for fans, outlining the detection of stage 1 ovarian cancer that required surgery, and difficult chemo treatments. She lost her hair in the process. But, it wasn’t long before fans’ prayers and her resilience worked.

The cancer went into remission a few months later and doctors assured a 94% chance of a full recovery. Everything seemed fine at that moment and, she even returned to work. Evert resumed what piqued her interest – providing delicate insight into the sport, at tournaments. Unfortunately, fate had a different plan mapped out.

Her cancer returned last year. The dreadful news came nearly a year after she was in remission and a precautionary CT scan revealed the build-up of a cancerous mass in the same region. However, the former World No. 1 wasn’t going to let this do one better on her. Instead, she remained composed.

Evert went through the procedure again for the second time and, soon enough, she happily reported being cancer-free. Though Evert left that difficult phase behind her, she is not taking her luck for granted, as she subsequently, uploaded a throwback photo on her Instagram, captioning the post: “Not so long ago! Grateful for every day, everything, everyone!”

And now, the American superstar is as optimistic as one can be.

Chris Evert vows to ‘never stop living her life’

American veteran Chris Evert has one strong will. It’s hard to even imagine the mental fortitude, physical strength, and inner convincing one needs to defeat cancer not once, but twice. Evert came atop those concerns.

A cancer-free Evert later voiced a poignant admission for people struggling through a similar medical fate, addressing them to never give up, like her. “You can’t live in fear. I just have to keep exercising, try and be as healthy as I can, and be up on all my CT scans and my appointments with the doctor. I’m not going to stop living my life. I’m going to keep going and keep going,” the former world no. 1 said.

Evert, now aware of cancer’s implications, having seen the illness take a loved one from her, wholeheartedly spreads awareness about cancer as she continues to live her life on her terms – as a commentator and a huge asset for tennis.