Diagnosed with a chronic liver disease at 19, the former British No 1 died overnight after retiring from the sport in January.
“We are heartbroken beyond words at the loss of our beautiful, talented and determined ‘Bally’,” Baltacha’s husband and former coach Nino Severino said.
“She was an amazing person and she touched so many people with her inspirational spirit, her warmth and her kindness.”
Baltacha and Severino married only six months ago.
On retiring, Baltacha worked with Severino at the couple’s academy in Ipswich.
Baltacha was one of the most popular — and committed — players on the WTA Tour, battling illness and crippling back pain to forge a respectable career.
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“Sometimes I used to wake up and think ‘Oh my gosh, I cannot move,’ ” Baltacha once said. “But I wouldn’t be the person I am now if I hadn’t gone through that.”
Coached initially by Judy Murray after moving with her family to Ipswich — her father Sergei played 49 matches for the Soviet Union before becoming the first Russian to represent an English club — Baltacha was never the most talented player.
But there were few as tenacious.
One of her finest victories came at Wimbledon in 2002 when, still a teenager, she eliminated Australian Open semi-finalist Amanda Coetzer.
Britain's Elena Baltacha returns against Italy's Flavia Pennetta during their women's fir
Britain's Elena Baltacha returns against Italy's Flavia Pennetta during their women's first round match on day one of the 2013 Wimbledon Championships. Source: AFP
Ranked No 49 at her peak, Baltacha was the British No 1 for 132 weeks.
According to her family’s statement, Baltacha died peacefully at home.
The Lawn Tennis Association’s head of women’s tennis Iain Bates said in a statement: “Today we have lost a shining light from the heart of British tennis — a true role model, a great competitor and a wonderful friend.
“We have so many special memories to cherish but this leaves a gaping hole for everybody in both British and women’s tennis and words simply cannot express how saddened we are by this news. All our thoughts are with Nino and the rest of Elena’s family. We will miss you Bal.”
Baltacha was diagnosed at 19 with primary sclerosing cholangitis, a chronic liver condition which compromises the immune system, but she managed it throughout her career with medication and regular blood tests.
Baltacha and Severino had been organising another ‘Rally for Bally’ — a series of charity events featuring Andy Murray, Martina Navratilova and Tim Henman after a successful debut last year.
“Forever remembered for her relentless determination, unbelievable drive and a willpower that never ceased to amaze us,” the LTA said.
“It was a pleasure to watch Bally develop into a world-class player and become an outstanding role model for everyone in the game. With her enthusiasm, spirit and passion for life, she was a pure joy to be around and, having recently got married to her husband Nino Severino, she was embarking on a new chapter in her life.
“The health issues she battled since her teenage years made what she achieved during her career all the more impressive.”
www.foxsports.com.au/tennis/cancer-claims-young-british-tennis-player-elena-baltacha-aged-only-30/story-e6frf4mu-1226905730375