Jana Novotna, 1998 Wimbledon champion, dies aged 49
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ByEurosport
Updated 20/11/2017 at 13:51 GMT
The 1998 Wimbledon champion Jana Novotna has died at the age 49 following a lengthy battle with cancer.
Jana Novotna
Image credit: Getty Images
The WTA announced the news on Monday morning, saying in a statement:
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.
Chief executive Steve Simon added:
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 a much-loved figure in the game, earning plenty of fans during her illustrious playing career.
The Czech star won a total 16 Grand Slam doubles titles, but was made to wait until the twilight of her playing days to finally get her hands on that sought-after singles title.
Final appearances at the Australian Open in 1991 and two at Wimbledon - in 1993 and 1997 - all ended in defeat, and she became the subject of one of the most iconic images in the sport when she broke down in tears on the shoulder of the Duchess of Kent after her loss to Seffi Graf in 1993.
But Novotna delighted the crowd in south-west London in 1998 when she beat Venus Williams and Martina Hingis on the way to a hugely popular Wimbledon title.
Novotna was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame in 2005 and had later made a successful move into coaching.
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