Chris Evert’s Fight Against Cancer Fueled by Joy of Grandmotherhood

NEW YORK, March 21, 2025 — Tennis legend Chris Evert remains a beacon of strength as she battles cancer for the second time, with her family serving as her primary motivation. Evert, 70, expressed her commitment to being a devoted grandmother during an interview with The New York Times, revealing that her grandson, Hayden James, inspires her resolve to fight the illness.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Evert shared a moment with Hayden, reading the story ‘Ilama Ilama Red Pajama.’ The image captured her joy, with a simple caption reading, ‘Granny…’. Her family, including her ex-husband, Olympian skier Andy Mill, and their three sons—Alexander, Nicholas, and Colton—act as her support system during this challenging time.

Last month, Evert showcased a charming photograph of her son Nicholas holding baby Hayden, humorously captioned, “Like father, like son.” Evert’s devotion to family extends to her niece, Remi, whom she often calls “Princess Sofia.” On February 6, she publicly honored Remi’s birthday with a loving message.

Despite stepping away from the sport, Evert continues to maintain a significant presence in tennis. As a commentator for ESPN, she provides analysis at major events and has recently praised the success of young players like Mirra Andreeva and Jack Draper at the Indian Wells Masters. However, she has also expressed concerns regarding the organization of tour-level events in the Middle East, calling for improvements.

Evert’s post-retirement life has not been without challenges. She balances running the Evert Tennis Academy while managing her health battles, including two diagnoses of ovarian cancer. Her first diagnosis in 2021 came with the same BRCA1 genetic variant that claimed her sister, Jeanne Evert Dubin, in 2020. After over a year in remission, her cancer returned in December 2023.

In an interview with ‘We Are Tennis‘, Evert emphasized how her experience as a professional athlete prepared her for her fight against cancer. “The ups and downs of being a professional athlete have helped me tremendously,” she said, highlighting the emotional resilience that the sport demands. Evert remains optimistic, using her platform to inspire others while cherishing her family moments.

As she prepares to return to her commentary role, Evert continues to document her life’s precious experiences alongside her family. Her narrative offers an inspiring look at her unwavering strength on and off the court, reinforcing her identity as both a tennis icon and a devoted grandmother.