Chris Evert, the 18-time Grand Slam champion, is known for her tough and unemotional outer shell. However, the toughest match that the tennis legend has ever played was the match for her life. Even after having successful chemotherapy and hysterectomy to permanently do away with cancer, the findings from her diagnosis surprised the 18-time Grand Slam champion.

Evert was diagnosed with Ovarian cancer soon after losing her sister to the same.

Chris Evert revealed about her ovarian cancer diagnosis

After losing her sister to Ovarian cancer, Chris Evert was diagnosed with the same variant as her sibling. Consequently, following the diagnosis, the doctor advised the legendary tennis player for a hysterectomy to eliminate the ‘silent killer.’ Evert opened up about the same in an interview with PBS NewsHour in September, “And the doctor said, ‘OK, you have to have a hysterectomy. You don’t need the reproductive organs, so that best thing, the safest thing is just to get everything out.’ 

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However, the findings from the treatment shocked everyone. As the ‘Ice Maiden’ of tennis was diagnosed with not one, but two cancers. “My doctor called me 3 days later and said: ‘we are really shocked about this but our findings are that you had ovarian cancer and you had cancer in your Fallopian tubes’ … and I was like Woah, but I didn’t feel anything. But that’s why this is an insidious, ugly cancer. Because you don’t feel any effects, whatsoever,” she explained.

A hysterectomy was followed by hard sessions of chemotherapy, to obliterate the remaining cancerous cells, if any. Though Evert is back on the court, in addition to being a commentator at ESPN. However, the veteran tennis legend is grateful to her family and friends, who stood by her during a tough time. Particularly Andy Mill, her ex-husband.

When Evert’s ex-husband stood steady during the toughest battle of her life

Earlier, in an interview, Evert had expressed regret over her separation from her 2nd husband, Andy Mill. However, while undergoing chemotherapy, it was Mill who would drive her to the hospital for her treatment. Also, the 18-time Grand Slam winner confessed in a rare interview about the mutual respect between them, as the two have stayed close post their divorce in 2006, and co-parent their three sons. The former Alpine Ski racer certainly stood by Chris Evert when she needed him the most.

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What do you think about the tough and inspiring journey of Chris Evert? Do let us know in the comments.