FORMER WIMBLEDON CHAMPION Jana Novotna has passed away at the age of 49.
The Czech tennis player famously beat Nathalie Tauzia to win the 1998 Wimbledon women’s singles final, after losing SW19 finals in 1993 and 1997.
“After a long battle with cancer, Jana died peacefully, surrounded by her family in her native Czech Republic, aged 49,” a statement from the Women’s Tennis Association read.
Novotna won a further 24 singles titles on the WTA tour, while collecting 12 grand slam doubles titles and four grand slam mixed doubles crowns.
“Jana was an inspiration both on and off court to anyone who had the opportunity to know her,” said Steve Simon, WTA CEO.
“Her star will always shine brightly in the history of the WTA. Our condolences and our thoughts are with Jana’s family.”
Novotna was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2005.
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