1998 Wimbledon Singles champion, Jana Novotna has died at the age of 49 due to a long battle with cancer.
The news was confirmed this morning by the WTA, “After a long battle with cancer, Jana died peacefully, surrounded by her family in her native Czech Republic, aged 49.”
Novotna, won 16 grand slam doubles titles as well as her 1998 singles crown at Wimbledon. She also won a total of 24 WTA singles titles as well as 76 doubles titles.
WTA CEO, Steve Simon also paid tribute to the inspiring Novotna, “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.”
She was also a singles finalist at the Australian Open in 1993. Our thoughts are with everyone related to Jana at this difficult time.
