SerpApi.Org
On June 25, 2026, Chris Evert announced on Instagram that her ovarian cancer had returned for a third time. CT and PET scans confirmed the recurrence, per her own statement. She would begin chemotherapy and step back from professional commitments, including her ESPN Wimbledon commentary role. Evert was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer in December 2021, experienced a recurrence in 2023, and had been in recovery before this latest development.
Wimbledon, One Day Later
Director Rebecca Gitlitz had considered canceling the All England Club screening of Chris & Martina: The Final Set, scheduled for the eve of Wimbledon 2026. Evert texted her: "No. Me having cancer magnifies the message. Go to Wimbledon for me, for the film, for Martina." A 6 a.m. text the morning of the event asked Gitlitz to read Evert's full written statement aloud. Gitlitz did. Navratilova stood beside her. "I don't normally pray," Navratilova said, "but I'm going to pray for Chris." Navratilova's wife Julia Lemigova and their daughter Emma Lemigova Courtin were present. Current and former WTA players in attendance included Maria Sakkari, Ajla Tomljanovic, Pam Shriver, and Liz Smylie, among others.
The Documentary
Chris & Martina: The Final Set, directed by Gitlitz, premiered at the 2026 Tribeca Film Festival and has been streaming on Netflix since June 26. It traces the decades-long rivalry — 80 official matches between 1973 and 1988, with Navratilova leading the head-to-head 43–37 per WTA records, including 14 Grand Slam finals — and the friendship that developed as both women faced cancer. Navratilova was diagnosed with breast and throat cancer in November 2022 and declared cancer-free in July 2023. Evert's third recurrence was announced just as the film was reaching its widest audience. Evert wrote of the documentary: "It's the most profound, honest documentary of the year."
