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

The Czech player lost her long battle with cancer and died peacefully surrounded by her family, according to the WTA. 

Novotna claimed victory in the 1998 Wimbledon final having suffered defeats in 1993 and 1997.

She was famously consoled on Centre Court by the Duchess of Kent after the 1993 disappointment, crying on the royal's shoulder.

She captured the hearts of fans at SW16 after bursting into tears following the loss to Steffi Graf.

But the Duchess told her she would go on to win the title and five years later she was proved correct.  

Novotna beat Martina Hingis in the semi-final before overcoming Frenchwoman Nathalie Tauziat to lift the crown. 

'Jana was an inspiration both on and off court to anyone who had the opportunity to know her,' said WTA chief executive Steve Simon.

'Her star will always shine brightly in the history of the WTA. Our condolences and our thoughts are with Jana's family,' he added. 

Novotna was known for her entertaining style of play and attacking serve-volley approach with supreme athleticism allowing her to compete with the greats of her generation.

She claimed 24 titles in singles and 76 in doubles during a decorated 14-year career.

She achieved a career high ranking of world No 2, and No 1 in doubles on multiple occasions before being inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame in 2005.

In the 1990s Novota reached the peak of her powers, reaching the final of the Australian Open once and the semi-finals of the French Open and US Open twice in addition to claiming the Wimbledon title.

She was also a key member of the Czech Fed Cup team and deeply loved the game, saying in 2015 'it would be horrible' to have life without tennis. 

'She always supported us from the stands when she could. We will miss her,' the Czech Fed Cup team said on its Facebook page on Monday.  

 

Whilst Wimbledon was her only major singles title, the Czech also excelled on the doubles court, claiming 12 Grand Slam doubles titles and four in mixed doubles.

After her retirement from the game, she offered a helping hand through consultancy coaching roles and played a significant part in Marion Bartoli's 2013 Wimbledon win, having been brought in by the Frenchwoman's father to assist him. 

Never far from a court, she was well known and well liked in the game and tributes poured in following the news of her passing. 

Former British No 1 Jo Durie recalled Novotna's spirit on court.

She said on Twitter: 'Oh no how terrible sad. All thoughts to her family and friends. So glad Jana won Wimbledon. Such a fighter on court & a wicked sense of humour.' 

Former American doubles star Pam Schriver added: 'Jana was as kind as she was athletic, as smart as she was competitive. 

'I can't believe she is gone this soon. Her smile lives forever young.' 

Whilst Andrew Castle, now a commentator for the BBC, said: 'What a terrible shame. She was good fun on an evening, a champion on court, so tough to play against. And her smile was wonderful.' 

 

Source: AFP