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Former Wimbledon champion, Jana Novotna, dies of cancer

Jana Novotna is a 17-time Grand Slam champion, which includes 12 titles in doubles and four in mixed doubles.

Jana 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.

Czech tennis player Jana Novotna, a Wimbledon champion in 1998, has died at the age of 49, the WTA said on Monday.

The WTA 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.”

She won 24 singles titles in a 14-year career.

“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,” added WTA CEO Steve Simon.

She is a 17-time Grand Slam champion, which includes 12 titles in doubles and four in mixed doubles.

Novotna was a three-time Olympic medalist and a member of Czechoslovakia’s 1988 Fed Cup championship team.

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

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