Dick Vitale requested fans on his X account to pray for his dear friend, Chris Evert, who was diagnosed with cancer again. He also added a short message for her, pushing her to keep fighting.
The legendary basketball sportscaster faced multiple cancer diagnoses of his own over the last several years. He continues to advocate and express optimism about beating the dreaded disease.
Evert was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2022. She shared that it recurred in December 2023 but cleared after treatment. The longtime ESPN analyst and former No. 1-ranked tennis player in the world will step back from her broadcasting duties.
"Please say 🙏🙏🙏 tonight for a champion & dear friend that gave so many fab moments to us tennis fans @ChrissieEvert .She is in a battle vs CANCER ! Chrissie please THINK POSITIVE HAVE FAITH & I know u are going to win this battle .My family loves you!" Vitale posted on X.
Evert turned pro in December 1972 and retired in September 1989. She amassed 157 singles titles, including 18 Grand Slam championships. Her career featured a 90.09% winning percentage, the highest in professional tennis history.
The 71-year-old joined ESPN as a tennis analyst in 2011 and has been a fixture for a number of the network's shows. She is regularly involved in ESPN's coverage of Grand Slam tournaments.
Meanwhile, Vitale began his broadcasting career in 1979. He transitioned to broadcasting after coaching at the high school, college and NBA levels. Some of his popular catchphrases include "Diaper Dandy," "PTPer" and "It's awesome, baby!"
Vitale coached East Rutherford High School for seven years before taking on the same role at the University of Detroit. The Seton Hall product was also the Detroit Pistons' head coach for one season. However, the franchise parted ways with Vitale ahead of his second season.
