ormer top-ranked British tennis player Elena Baltacha has been diagnosed with liver cancer.
“I have recently been diagnosed with cancer of the liver,” the 30-year old confirmed in a statement.
“I’m currently undergoing treatment and fighting this illness with everything I have.”
Baltacha has had chronic liver condition (primary sclerosing cholangitis) since the age of 19. This is a medical condition that affects the immune system.
Baltacha won 11 singles titles and reached the third round of Wimbledon in 2002, Australian Open 2005 and Australian Open 2010. She reached a career-high ranking of 49 back in 2010 and held the top-ranking female British tennis player for a total of 132 weeks between 2009 and 2012. She retired from the sport back in November 2013.
“Obviously this is a tough time for Bally, Nino and her family but she is a such a determined, upbeat person and everyone around her is staying positive as well,” said Great Britain Fed Cup captain Judy Murray.
“I know she’ll be really grateful for all the support that she’s getting.”
