Elena Baltacha loses battle against liver cancer - Sunday 4th May 2014

04.05.2014 - On behalf of Nino Severino and the family of Elena Baltacha

It is with deepest sadness that we bring you the following news:

Elena Baltacha died in the early hours of Sunday 4th May of liver cancer. She was 30 years old. 

Elena, who always went by her nickname Bally, was diagnosed with liver cancer in mid-January 2014, two months after retiring from professional tennis and just a few weeks after marrying Nino Severino, her long-time coach and partner. Despite a determined battle against the disease, she passed away peacefully at home with her husband Nino by her side and surrounded by friends and family. 

Statement from Nino Severino, Elena’s husband:
“We are heartbroken beyond words at the loss of our beautiful, talented and determined Bally. She was an amazing person and she touched so many people with her inspirational spirit, her warmth and her kindness.” 

Before being struck down with illness, Elena put her heart and soul into the Elena Baltacha Academy of Tennis, which helps children from all backgrounds to learn and play tennis. All  those involved in running the Academy have pledged to carry on the work that she started.

The Rally Against Cancer - Rally For Bally will now be held in her memory on 15th June to raise funds jointly for Royal Marsden national cancer charity and Elena Baltacha Foundation, the charity attached to the Elena Baltacha Academy of Tennis. Andy Murray, Ross Hutchins, Martina Navratilova, Tim Henman, Greg Rusedski Jamie Murray, Jonny Marray, Anne Keothavong and Heather Watson are some of the names who will play in mixed doubles exhibition matches at the Aegon Championships at Queen’s Club, the Aegon Classic in Birmingham and the Aegon International in Eastbourne. 

#Rally4Bally

On a personal note, it was a pleasure and a privilege to work with Bally and be her friend. We will miss her more than words can express.

Eleanor and Faye

If you have any questions, please email us via info@theemiliagroup.com or call Eleanor Preston (07967562040) or Faye Andrews (07788921066)

Notes
  • Elena Baltacha was born 14 August 1983 and died Sunday 4th May 2014
  • She represented Great Britain for 11 years in the international team competition Fed Cup
  • She was a proud member of Team GB at the London 2012 Olympic Games, playing singles and doubles
  • She spent 132 weeks as British No.1 in singles between Dec 2009 - June 2012
  • Her highest singles ranking was 49, achieved in September 2010
  • She won 11 ITF Pro Circuit singles titles
  • In Grand Slams, she reached the 3rd round of Wimbledon in 2002 and competed as recently as the 2013 Championships
  • She reached the 3rd round of the Australian Open in 2005 and 2010
  • Her last competitive tournament was the 2013 US Open
  • She is survived by her husband Nino (married 8th December 2013)
Bally with the girls from the Elena Baltacha Academy of Tennis

Elena Baltacha


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