Sad! Jana Novotna Loses Cancer Battle At 49

Former Wimbledon champion Jana Novotna has passed away at the age of 49 after she lost her battle with cancer.

According to the Women’s Tennis Association Novotna “died peacefully, surrounded by her family”.

The former Czech tennis star had lost in the Wimbledon final in 1993 and 1997 before beating Nathalie Tauziat to win the 1998 edition.

On her painful exit, WTA chief executive 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.” she added.

Apart from her Grand Slam win at Wimbledon, she also claimed 12 Grand Slam doubles titles and four in mixed doubles.

Jana Novotna, who reached a career high no. 2 in the WTA rankings, was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame in 2005.