FORMER BRITISH NO.1 tennis star Elena Baltacha has died of liver cancer at the age of 30.
Born in Ukraine and brought up in Scotland, Baltacha revealed she had the illness in March, having being diagnosed in January. Baltacha, who was British number one for nearly three years, only retired from professional tennis in 2013. The news of her passing was announced on Sunday.
“We are heartbroken beyond words at the loss of our beautiful, talented and determined Bally,” said her husband Nino Severino in a statement published by the BBC.
The daughter of Sergei Baltacha, who played professional football for Ipswich Town and Inverness Caledonian Thistle, she was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis, a chronic liver condition which compromises the immune system, aged 19.
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Despite her illness and injury problems, she reached the third round of the Australian Open in 2005 and 2010, and achieved a career-high world ranking of 49. She won 11 singles titles, made the third round of Wimbledon in 2002,was a member of Great Britain’s Fed Cup team for 11 years and reached the second round of the women’s singles at the London Olympics.
Baltacha in action against Italy's Flavia Pennetta at Wimbledon in 2013. Raul Gabat
Raul Gabat
Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) head of women’s tennis Iain Bates said: “Today (Sunday) 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. All our thoughts are with Nino and the rest of Elena’s family. We will miss you, Bal.”
The LTA paid tribute to a “tireless fighter”. It’s statement read: ”Forever remembered for her relentless determination, unbelievable drive and a will-power that never ceased to amaze us, it was a pleasure to watch Bally develop into a world-class player.
“With her enthusiasm, spirit and passion for life, she was a pure joy to be around and, having recently got married to her husband Nino Severino, she was embarking on a new chapter in her life.
“She fought tirelessly during her career against opposition on court and never gave in to the struggles she endured off it. The health issues she battled since her teenage years made what she achieved during her career all the more impressive.”
Former Wimbledon champion Lindsay Davenport was among many paying tribute on Twitter.
Top tennis stars including Andy Murray, Martina Navratilova, Tim Henman, Greg Rusedski, Jamie Murray and Heather Watson will take part in “Rally For Bally”, a cancer fundraising event that will now be held in her memory on June 15.
Never heard of the girl before , but another young life taken by that horrible disease. RIP and to all that have fought
bravely against. I personally do not believe that there is no cure somewhere in this world locked up in a vault.
Very sad to hear this about a girl who battled the odds to become a tennis professional.
Luke Lian I can remember the focus on Elana each week one of Wimbledon , by the BBC and SKY, as with Laura Robson in recent years.
R.I.P.
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Very sad for her and family. RIP.
Remember her vividly as a real battler in the first few rounds of Wimbledon each year. Talented athlete. Very sad news.
Never heard of the girl before , but another young life taken by that horrible disease. RIP and to all that have fought
bravely against. I personally do not believe that there is no cure somewhere in this world locked up in a vault.
So you think there is more money to be made by letting people die. Odd logic.
More money to be made for treating people with cancer… Why would big pharmas find a ‘cure’ and kill this cash cow…..
Spot on Eoin .. Spot on !
Ben cancer treatments ( not cures) are a multibillion dollar business, that’s why
Liver cancer is incurable and is fast. The fortune is to be made in it’s treatment and cure.
Tin foil hat brigade have arrived!
So young, may she RIP
Is this article article hacked? I hear a kid speaking over it saying “it’s tote hilair”…. A very sick hack whoever did it..
Seems hack is gone but the journal should investigate it as there maybe a hacker in your system…
Very sad to hear this about a girl who battled the odds to become a tennis professional.
Luke Lian I can remember the focus on Elana each week one of Wimbledon , by the BBC and SKY, as with Laura Robson in recent years.
R.I.P.
Loved watching her play…a real fighter that sadly lost the hardest battle of all…taken too young…RIP
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