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.
0 Comments