Baltacha was diagnosed with the deadly disease in January, a few months after she retired from professional tennis in 2013. The tennis player had a long struggle with primary sclerosing cholangitis, a chronic liver condition that affects the immune system.

Baltacha was a member of the British national team for 11 years and competed in the Fed Cup and the WTA Tour.

Tsaid: “We have lost a shining light from the heart of British tennis – a true role model, a great competitor and a wonderful friend. We have so many special memories to cherish, but this leaves a gaping hole for everybody in both British and women’s tennis, and words simply cannot express how saddened we are by this news.All our thoughts are with Nino and the rest of Elena’s family. We will miss you Bal.”

Elena Baltacha won 11 singles titles and her career-high world ranking was 49.
The head of womens’ tennis of the Lawn Tennis Association, Iain Bates, current British No. 1 and former teammate Laura Robson, as well as current World No. 1 Serena Williams, among a host of other players, expressed their condolences.