Former British number one tennis player Elena Baltacha has died of liver cancer, aged 30.
Born in Ukraine and raised in Scotland, Baltacha revealed she had the illness in March.
Baltacha, who was British number one for nearly three years, only retired from the sport in 2013.
"We are heartbroken beyond words at the loss of our beautiful, talented and determined Bally," said her husband Nino Severino.
He added: "She was an amazing person and she touched so many people with her inspirational spirit, her warmth and her kindness."
She was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis, a chronic liver condition which compromises the immune system, aged 19.
Despite her illness and multiple injury problems, she went on to reach the Australian Open third round in 2005 and 2010 and reached a career-high world ranking of 49.
She won 11 singles titles, made the third round of Wimbledon in 2002 and was part of Great Britain's Fed Cup team for 11 years.
Lawn Tennis Association head of women's tennis Iain Bates said: "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."
Latest Stories
-
Today’s front pages: Thursday, May 2, 2024
4 mins -
Government steps up efforts to pass new Labour Law
5 mins -
Seven ECG substations in Accra flooded over Wednesday’s downpour
15 mins -
Government to distribute 1.2 million textbooks to TVET schools
17 mins -
TEWU demands government must pay all Tier-2 deductions to fund managers
19 mins -
Cedi hits GH¢14.18 to a dollar; year-to-date loss reaches 13.45%
24 mins -
Akufo-Addo’s assertion of dumsor’s end misleading, says IES
42 mins -
Ghana registers 31 fresh COVID-19 infections
46 mins -
Vote for a government committed to upholding integrity of Public Service – GLOGSAG to Civil Servants
1 hour -
Kasoa protests ‘bad name’
1 hour -
Yaw Nsarkoh: Bit by bit we will understand China
7 hours -
Looted and returned: Asante royal artefacts on display for public viewing at Manhyia Museum
8 hours -
Suspected killer in Kasoa land dispute shooting not a National Security operative
8 hours -
Ghana appoint four Para Athletics coaches in Preparation for Paris 2024
8 hours -
Kumasi Cheshire Home decries inadequate equipment; seeks public support
9 hours