Jana Novotna, former Wimbledon tennis champion, dies aged 49

The former Wimbledon champion Jana Novotna has died from cancer aged 49. The Czech player, who won the 1998 singles title at SW19, lost her battle with the disease on Sunday, the WTA announced on its website on Monday morning.

A statement read: “It is with deep sadness that the WTA announces the passing on Sunday, November 19, of Jana Novotna. After a long battle with cancer, Jana died peacefully, surrounded by her family in her native Czech Republic, aged 49.”

At the peak of her powers in the 1990s, Novotna features in one of the most enduring images in the long history of Wimbledon after famously being consoled by the Duchess of Kent after losing the 1993 final to Steffi Graf.

She was known for her battling qualities, though, and overcame another final defeat in 1997, this time to Martina Hingis, to finally get her hands on the trophy in 1998, beating Nathalie Tauziat.

Novotna also represented her country with success, claiming silver medals in the doubles at the 1988 and 1996 Olympics as well as a singles bronze in Atlanta. She was the world No1 ranked player in doubles in 1990 and got as high as No2 in singles in 1997.

The WTA chief executive officer, Steve Simon, said: “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.”

The former British No1 Jo Durie paid tribute to 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.”

The former American doubles player Pam Shriver 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.”

The former British player Andrew Castle, now a commentator for the BBC, said: “What a terrible shame. She was good fun of an evening, a champion on court, so tough to play against. And her smile was wonderful.”