London, May 5: The former British women's tennis number one Elena Baltacha,30, died on Monday. She was diagnosed with liver cancer in January.

Elena lost her battle against the disease early Sunday morning, her family said in a statement.

Her husband Nino Severino said he was "heartbroken beyond words". She had married just months before her death., said Independent.

The Lawn Tennis Association said "a gaping hole" has been left in British tennis following the loss of Ms Baltacha, who had retired from the sport just two months before she fell ill.

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.

The Ukrainian-born Baltacha had been diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis, a chronic liver condition which affects the immune system, at just 19 but had managed the condition throughout her career with medication and regular blood tests.

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