Former British tennis player ELENA BALTACHA "died of liver cancer at the age of 30" early Sunday morning, according to the LONDON TIMES. Baltacha "had the illness diagnosed in January," just two months after retiring from tennis and only weeks after she married long-time coach NINO SEVERINO. In a statement, Severino 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.” Lawn Tennis Association Head of Women's Tennis IAIN BATES said in a statement, “Today we have lost a shining light from the heart of British tennis -- a true role model, a great competitor and a wonderful friend." British tennis player LAURA ROBSON "paid tribute to Baltacha on Twitter," writing, “Impossibly sad. Forever a teammate. Sweet dreams Bally.” MARTINA NAVRATILOVA described Baltacha as “a great fighter” on the tennis court. BILLIE JEAN KING "also tweeted her tribute." King: “Saddened to hear about Elena Baltacha’s passing. My fondest memory with Bally was sharing a wonderful chat when we met the Queen at Wimbledon.” Former LTA men's head coach PAUL ANNACONE described her death as “absolutely heartbreaking.” Annacone: “Bally, you will be sorely missed” (LONDON TIMES, 5/5). In London, Simon Briggs reported Baltacha "had suffered from a chronic liver disease since the age of 19, yet had still managed her physical condition well enough to maintain a lengthy career in professional tennis." In March, Baltacha "went into hospital for checks and discovered that her liver had now turned cancerous." There are "few more virulent forms of cancer, and the end came with terrible speed" (TELEGRAPH, 5/4). The London GUARDIAN noted according to her family's statement, Baltacha "died peacefully at home." The daughter of the former Ipswich, St. Mirren and Inverness footballer SERGEI, she "had retired from professional tennis last November" after a career which had seen her ranked as the British No. 1 for 132 weeks, from Dec. '09 until June '12. Her highest singles rank was 49, which she reached in Sept. '10 (GUARDIAN, 5/4).
MONDAY'S TRIBUTE: In London, Mike Dickson reported ANDY MURRAY "led some of the world's leading tennis players in paying silent tribute" to Baltacha. Murray, accompanied by brother JAMIE, "looked sombre and was clearly moved as a minute's silence was observed on the main court before the evening programme of play at the Madrid Open on Monday" (DAILY MAIL, 5/5).
