Martina Navratilova immediately reached out to the 18-time Grand Slam champion Chris Evert just days after she revealed that she has ovarian cancer for the second time, something that resonated home with the the Czech-American as she also battled cancer in 2023.
Evert, now aged 68. got her second diagnosis on December 8 and Navratilova took her out to get some food to help be a shoulder to lean on and to help her feel slightly better.
Earlier this year, Evert had been told that she was cancer-free but the disease has resurfaced facing her to go through the trauma of fighting the disease once again, less than a year after she got her life back.
In a photo uploaded to Twitter, now called X, Evert posted the pair pointing to some food as they held each other closely. It was captioned: “We’re in this together! Thanks for the delicious food @Martina.”
Navratilova, who won 18 major singles titles and 31 major women’s doubles, has battled cancer since January 2023 when a lymph node was discovered on her neck. A diagnosis of Stage One throat and breast cancer was determined and she was cancer-free by March of the same year.
Evert, who knows all the tricks of tennis, has been a part of the ESPN coverage of Grand Slam tournaments since 2011, operating as an analyst.
But with the Australian Open due to be held between January 14-28 at Melbourne Park, Evert had to step back in order to focus on her own health and recovery as she battles the disease again.
“Since I was first diagnosed with cancer two years ago, I’ve been very open about my experience,” Evert said in a statement via ESPN. “I wanted to give all of you an update.
“My cancer is back. While this is a diagnosis I never wanted to hear, I once again feel fortunate that it was caught early.
“Based on a PET CT scan, I underwent another robotic surgery this past week. Doctors found cancer cells in the same pelvic region. All cells were removed, and I have begun another round of chemotherapy.
“I will be unable to join my colleagues when ESPN makes its return to Melbourne for the Australian Open next month. But I’ll be ready for the rest of the Grand Slam season!”
