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Tributes pour in for Elena Baltacha after she dies aged 30 from liver cancer Tributes pour in for Elena Baltacha after she dies aged 30 from liver cancer
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Elena Baltacha, the former British No1, has died from liver cancer at the age of 30. Tributes for Baltacha flooded in on Monday, the former top-50 player described as "one of the shining lights of British women's tennis of recent generations".Elena Baltacha, the former British No1, has died from liver cancer at the age of 30. Tributes for Baltacha flooded in on Monday, the former top-50 player described as "one of the shining lights of British women's tennis of recent generations".
Baltacha, who was diagnosed at the age of 19 with primary sclerosing cholangitis – a chronic liver condition that compromises the immune system, passed away peacefully in the early hours of Sunday morning, according to a statement released by her family. Baltacha, who was diagnosed at the age of 19 with primary sclerosing cholangitis – a chronic liver condition that compromises the immune system – died peacefully in the early hours of Sunday morning, according to a statement released by her family.
She was diagnosed with liver cancer in January, two months after retiring from professional tennis and shortly following her marriage to Nino Severino, her long-standing coach. "We are heartbroken beyond words at the loss of our beautiful, talented and determined Bally," Severino said in a statement. "She was an amazing person and she touched so many people with her inspirational spirit, her warmth and her kindness." The Scot was diagnosed with liver cancer in January, two months after retiring from professional tennis and shortly following her marriage to Nino Severino, her long-standing coach. "We are heartbroken beyond words at the loss of our beautiful, talented and determined Bally," Severino said in a statement. "She was an amazing person and she touched so many people with her inspirational spirit, her warmth and her kindness."
Baltacha and Anne Keothavong were for many years the faces of British women's tennis, during a period where the nation enjoyed limited success at elite level. The Scot, who was born in Ukraine and was the daughter of former Ipswich, St Mirren and Inverness footballer Sergei, represented Britain in the Fed Cup for 11 years and was the nation's No1 female player between 2009 and 2012, reaching a career-high world ranking of 49 in 2010. Baltacha and Anne Keothavong were for many years the faces of British women's tennis, during a period in which the nation enjoyed limited success at elite level. She was born in what is now Ukraine and was the daughter of the former Soviet Union footballer Sergei Baltacha, who came to the UK to join Ipswich Town in 1988, the year she turned five, and then joined St Johnstone in 1990. She represented Britain in the Fed Cup for 11 years and was the nation's No1 female player between 2009 and 2012, reaching a career-high world ranking of 49 in 2010.
She won 11 singles titles during a 16-year career and reached the third round of Wimbledon in 2002, making it to the same stage at the Australian and French Opens.She won 11 singles titles during a 16-year career and reached the third round of Wimbledon in 2002, making it to the same stage at the Australian and French Opens.
The Lawn Tennis Association released a statement, saying: "Today British Tennis mourns the loss of one of our own. The news of the death of Elena Baltacha, one of the shining lights of British women's tennis of recent generations, is devastating to everyone who has ever had the privilege to know her, play against her, or call her a friend or team-mate.The Lawn Tennis Association released a statement, saying: "Today British Tennis mourns the loss of one of our own. The news of the death of Elena Baltacha, one of the shining lights of British women's tennis of recent generations, is devastating to everyone who has ever had the privilege to know her, play against her, or call her a friend or team-mate.
"It leaves a huge hole within our sport. Bally gave new meaning to the word 'fighter'. She fought tirelessly during her career against opposition on court and never gave in to the struggles she endured off it. Forever remembered for her relentless determination, unbelievable drive and a willpower that never ceased to amaze us, it was a pleasure to watch Bally develop into a world-class player and become an outstanding role model for everyone in the game.""It leaves a huge hole within our sport. Bally gave new meaning to the word 'fighter'. She fought tirelessly during her career against opposition on court and never gave in to the struggles she endured off it. Forever remembered for her relentless determination, unbelievable drive and a willpower that never ceased to amaze us, it was a pleasure to watch Bally develop into a world-class player and become an outstanding role model for everyone in the game."
The LTA's head of women's tennis, Iain Bates, added: "Today 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's head of women's tennis, Iain Bates, added: "Today 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."
After retiring from the professional game because of an ankle problem – only one of a series of injuries during her career – Baltacha had been coaching junior players at her Ipswich-based academy.After retiring from the professional game because of an ankle problem – only one of a series of injuries during her career – Baltacha had been coaching junior players at her Ipswich-based academy.
A fundraiser called Rally for Bally was already scheduled to take place in June and will now go ahead in her memory. Andy Murray, Tim Henman and Martina Navratilova are all set to play in the event, with the money raised going to the Elena Baltacha Academy of Tennis and the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.A fundraiser called Rally for Bally was already scheduled to take place in June and will now go ahead in her memory. Andy Murray, Tim Henman and Martina Navratilova are all set to play in the event, with the money raised going to the Elena Baltacha Academy of Tennis and the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
Baltacha's agent and friend Eleanor Preston said: "It was part of Bally's emotional make-up to be very stoic, she never once asked why me or why is this happening. She was incredibly strong and determined and that was who she was. She went through it all without the slightest bit of self-pity or ego."Baltacha's agent and friend Eleanor Preston said: "It was part of Bally's emotional make-up to be very stoic, she never once asked why me or why is this happening. She was incredibly strong and determined and that was who she was. She went through it all without the slightest bit of self-pity or ego."
The current British No1, Laura Robson, said on Twitter: "Impossibly sad. Forever a teammate. Sweet dreams Bally." Heather Watson, the No3, left a tribute that read: "We've lost our lovely Bally, too young. Rest in peace. My thought [sic] are with Nino and all of her family xx."The current British No1, Laura Robson, said on Twitter: "Impossibly sad. Forever a teammate. Sweet dreams Bally." Heather Watson, the No3, left a tribute that read: "We've lost our lovely Bally, too young. Rest in peace. My thought [sic] are with Nino and all of her family xx."
Last year's Wimbledon champion, Marion Bartoli, wrote: "I have no worlds to describe my sadness. RIP ElenaBaltacha." Denmark's world No14, Caroline Wozniacki, tweeted: "So sad to hear about Elena Baltacha! RIP! Thoughts go out to her family and loved ones!" Last year's Wimbledon champion, Marion Bartoli, wrote: "I have no worlds to describe my sadness. RIP ElenaBaltacha." Caroline Wozniacki, Denmark's former world No1, tweeted: "So sad to hear about Elena Baltacha! RIP! Thoughts go out to her family and loved ones!"
Ross Hutchins, Britain's former Davis Cup player and Murray's close friend, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in December 2012 but is now in remission, is helping to organise the Rally for Bally. He said: "It's incredibly sad news but we'll remember her for a long time."Ross Hutchins, Britain's former Davis Cup player and Murray's close friend, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in December 2012 but is now in remission, is helping to organise the Rally for Bally. He said: "It's incredibly sad news but we'll remember her for a long time."