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Tennis Star, Elena Baltacha Dies Of Liver Cancer At 30


Former British tennis star Elena Baltacha has died at the age of just 30 after a bout of liver cancer. MetroNews Uk reports

Baltacha was diagnosed with cancer in January, just two months after she retired from professional tennis late in 2013.

It came after an 11-year battle with primary sclerosing cholangitis, a chronic liver condition that affects the immune system.

                                            
Born in Ukraine but raised in Scotland, Baltacha competed under the British flag on the WTA Tour and in the Fed Cup, where she was part of the national team for 11 years.

Elena Baltacha dead of liver cancer at 30
Elena Baltacha only recently retired from professional tennis Picture: Getty Images)
In a statement, her husband Nino Severino – who married Baltacha just a few months before - said: ‘We are heartbroken beyond words at the loss of our beautiful, talented and determined Bally.


‘She was an amazing person and she touched so many people with her inspirational spirit, her warmth and her kindness.’

Former Fed Cup team-mate Laura Robson, who has taken over from Baltacha as Britain’s number one women’s player, described her death as ‘impossibly sad’.


The Lawn Tennis Association’s head of women’s tennis, Iain Bates, said: ‘We have lost a shining light from the heart of British tennis – a true role model, a great competitor and a wonderful friend.
                               
‘We have so many special memories to cherish, but this leaves a gaping hole for everybody in both British and women’s tennis, and words simply cannot express how saddened we are by this news.

Elena Baltacha dead at 30
Great Britain’s Elena Baltacha won 11 singles titles, including the Aegon Nottingham Challenge Picture: PA)
‘All our thoughts are with Nino and the rest of Elena’s family. We will miss you Bal.’


Baltacha’s career high world ranking was 49 and she won 11 singles titles in total and made the Wimbledon third round in 2002.

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