Former Wimbledon champion Jana Novotná has died at the age of 49 ‘after a long battle with cancer’

Jana Novotná.Reuters

• Former Wimbledon champion Jana Novotná died on Sunday at the age of 49.
• Novotná died “peacefully” after a long battle with cancer.

Czech Republic tennis player Jana Novotná has died peacefully in her home at the age of 49.

Renowned for a trailblazing serve and volley playing style in the 1990s, Novotná won 24 WTA singles titles, the 1998 Wimbledon Championships title, and reached a singles ranking of world number two in a decorated 14-year professional career.

A statement on the official website of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) stated that “after a long battle with cancer, Novotná died peacefully surrounded by her family in her native Czech Republic.” She died on Sunday.

Steve Simon, WTA CEO, 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.”

Novotná was an international tennis hall of fame inductee in 2005.