Tennis champion Jana Novotna dies aged 49

Former Wimbledon champion Jana Novotna has died at the age of 49.

Novotna, a former world number one in doubles and number two in singles, passed away peacefully on Sunday surrounded by her family, the WTA announced.

A statement read, ‘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.’

Novotna won the Wimbledon women’s singles title in 1998 and was beaten by Steffi Graf in the 1993 final.

She captured hearts around the world when she burst into tears after losing to the German champion and was consoled by the Duchess of Kent.

She met with triumph and disaster, and treated those two impostors just the same.

Remembering Jana Novotna's #Wimbledon journey… pic.twitter.com/RmPkNfQjYL
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) November 20, 2017

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Many have paid there tributes to the tennis great.

The tennis world is so sad about the passing of Jana Novotna…I am gutted and beyond words- Jana was a true friend and an amazing woman…
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) November 20, 2017

R.I.P. Jana Novotna 😥😥 Will always be my childhood hero! Leaving too soon, so sad… #speechless
— iveta benesova (@IvetaBenesova) November 20, 2017

Jana Novotna’s Wimbledon story touched millions within and beyond tennis. She will be much missed but never forgotten.
— David Law (@DavidLawTennis) November 20, 2017

I often saw Jana Novotna on tour as coach of Barbora Krejcikova at various Slam qualies. Not many Slam champs would have that kind of commitment to the grind, but she did. RIP.
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) November 20, 2017

This article originally appeared on New Idea.

Grace Back

Grace is the Digital Content Editor at New Idea. Grace is a lifestyle junkie who has previously interned at Dolly, Stellar and marie claire, as well having written in the fashion and beauty sections at Finder.com.au. When not working, you can find Grace heading for the slopes, playing with her pup or stuck in a seemingly endless Instagram scroll.

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