AELTC expresses condolences to family of Elena Baltacha

The All England Club, Wimbledon, would like to express condolences to the family and friends of Elena Baltacha, and is incredibly saddened to hear of her passing. 

The former British No.1, who always brought her best to The Championships, lost her battle with liver cancer on Sunday 4 May. 

"It is so terribly sad to have heard the news regarding Elena," commented AELTC Chief Executive Richard Lewis.

"She was very popular at the All England Club as well as being a highly respected player at The Championships. Our thoughts are with Nino and Elena's family at this very difficult time."

Baltacha was a joy to watch at Wimbledon. She made her debut against Flavia Pennetta in the first round of qualifying in 2000, the first of her 13 years competing at Wimbledon. Her last match at SW19 was in the first round in 2013, also, by quirk of fate, against Pennetta.  

The highlight was her run to the third round in 2002, upsetting 32nd seed Amanda Coetzer in three sets, 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, for the biggest win of her career at that point in time. Reaching the second round in 2004, 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2012, Baltacha's battling ways were an annual fixture at Wimbledon, the British player endearing herself to spectators with her fighting spirit. 

She also competed in the Olympic tennis event at Wimbledon, both in the singles, and in doubles with fellow former British No.1 Anne Keothavong, which she described as one of her career highlights, alongside breaking the world's top 50, reaching four WTA quarter-finals, and beating three top 10 players. 

She will be very much missed. 

The Rally for Bally, taking place on Sunday 15 June at Queen's Club, Edgbaston Priory Club and Eastbourne, will be held in Elena's memory, and will raise funds for the Elena Baltacha Tennis Academy and the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. 

To make a donation, visit justgiving.com/RallyforBally