Former Wimbledon tennis champion, Jana Novotna, dies aged 49

Former Wimbledon champion, Jana Novotna, has died aged 49. Novotna, a former world number one in doubles and number two in singles, passed away peacefully yesterday, Sunday, November 19th after a long battle with cancer.  A statement released by the Women Tennis Association WTA announced her passing.

The statement read...

"It is with deep sadness that the WTA announces the passing on Sunday, November 19, of Jana Novotna, the former WTA World No.1 doubles and No.2 singles champion. After a long battle with cancer, Jana died peacefully, surrounded by her family in her native Czech Republic, aged 49."

WTA CEO Steve Simon said: "Jana was an inspiration both on and off court to anyone who had the opportunity to know her. Her star will always shine brightly in the history of the WTA. Our condolences and our thoughts are with Jana’s family."

Novotna was at the peak of her career in the 1990s, winning 24 singles titles. Her success at SW19 was her only grand slam victory. 

May her soul rest in peace, Amen.