Recently retired professional tennis player Elena Baltacha has passed away on Sunday morning after battling with liver cancer. She was diagnosed in January this year with the disease. She was surrounded with family and friends at the time of her death. She was 30 years of age.
Elena’s husband, Nino Severino said: “We are heartbroken beyond words at the loss of our beautiful, talented and determined Bally. She was an amazing person and she touched so many people with her inspirational spirit, her warmth and her kindness.”
WTA Chairman and CEO Stacey Allaster released this statement in behalf of the organization:
“We are deeply grieved to lose our friend Elena Baltacha in her battle with cancer. Elena’s journey was never an easy one and yet she consistently showed her strength, good humor and indomitable spirit.
“The WTA was blessed to have such a champion compete and represent women’s tennis; Elena passionately represented Great Britain on the world stage and her personal commitment to excellence inspired us all throughout her career to strive for more, to be more, to give more. The loss of this special person will have a significant impact on her fellow competitors who not only respected her, but more importantly, loved her.
“‘Bally’ was such a caring human being, always putting others before herself, and a warm, fun person. A shining example of her commitment to looking out for the welfare of others is the Elena Baltacha Academy of Tennis, which she established so that children from disadvantaged backgrounds could learn to play the game she loved so dearly.
“I am honored that I had the opportunity to know Elena, to call her ‘Bally’ as her friends do. She was a gift that was taken from us too soon; she will be deeply missed. On behalf of the WTA family of players and tournaments, our hearts and prayers go out to her loving and supportive husband Nino, her parents, brother and friends on this terribly sad day.”
The former British number one created the Elena Baltacha Academy of Tennis which aids children from all walks of life to learn and play tennis. Those involved in the organization have promised to continue with the work that Baltacha started. The “Rally Against Cancer – Rally for Bally” fundraising event scheduled on June 15, 2014 will proceed as plan with the proceeds going to the Royal Marsden national cancer charity and Elena Baltacha Foundation.
For LTA’s statement, access this link:
