In a Twitter post a . by linking ESPN Articles Evert, co-written with ESPN journalist Chris McKendry, said she wanted to share her diagnosis and story “as a way to help others.”
“I feel so lucky that they caught it early and expected a positive result from my chemo plan,” Evert wrote a statement Posted on Twitter. “Thank you all for respecting my need to focus on my health and treatment plan.”
Evert, 67, said she would appear from home several times during ESPN’s coverage Australian Openwhich starts on January 17th.
Australian Open officials after Evert’s announcement Twitter account Posted, “Here’s thinking of you and wishing you a speedy and full recovery.”
“We are all with you and behind you Chrissy, you are a true champion and I have no doubt that you will conquer this evil opponent,” said Martina Navratilova, another of Evert’s great tennis player and longtime rival. wroteThe rivalry between the two women, which began in 1973 and lasted for nearly 15 years, is said to be one of the greatest in sports history. The two faced each other in 14 major finals.
Evert is no stranger to fierce competitions and winning streaks.
Born in 1954 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Evert climbed to the number 1 player nationally in the girls’ 14-under division by age 14. When she was 15 years old, she defeated the world No. 1 ranked player. Margaret Courtin a Charlotte, North Carolina, tournament.
Evert turned professional on December 21, 1972, when she turned 18. Several months later, he faced and defeated Navratilova for the first time. women’s professional event in Akron, Ohio.
Just four years into her professional career, Evert became the first female athlete to earn $1 million in career prize money.
she also became first female athlete to host “Saturday Night Live,” in 1989, the same year she retired. Six years later, Evert became a member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, becoming the fourth player to be elected unanimously.
Evert holds 157 singles titles and was ranked No. 1 in the world for seven years: from 1974 to 1978, 1980 and 1981.
She became a commentator and analyst for ESPN in 2011, a role she still holds today. Evert has three sons: Colton, Nicholas and Alexander.
she now operates Evert Tennis Academy In Boca Raton, Florida, according to ESPN.
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