Former Wimbledon champion Jana Novotna has died at the age of 49.
The Czech player, who achieved a career-high ranking of number two, beat Nathalie Tauziat in the 1998 final at SW19.
The Women's Tennis Association today confirmed that Novotna had "died peacefully" after battling with cancer.
"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."
Prior to her 1998 success, Novotna had lost in the Wimbledon final on two previous occasions - in 1993 and 1997.
Written by
Barney Corkhill
Barney Corkhill
