When Elena Baltacha played tennis she was a "warrior" who fought a severe debilitating illness to become British number one, according to her former coach Nino Severino, the man she married just months before her death.
Severino says that watching a new feature-length documentary about her life has made him realise more than ever what an "incredible woman" she was. He said she was an "unbelievable fighter" and would not let anyone know about the liver condition that made her life a "nightmare" because she did not want their pity. Renowned tennis coach Judy Murray was a lifelong friend who had known her since she turned up at a tournament in Dunblane when she was nine.
Murray, mother of tennis champions Andy and Jamie, recalls an incredibly confident young girl with ginger hair, a cap and big glasses. You know, little girls aged nine just do not serve like that. Sport was in Baltacha's blood. Her mother Olga was an athlete and her father Sergei was an international footballer.
She was born in Ukraine and moved first to Ipswich and then to Scotland aged six when her father started to play for St Johnstone in Perth. Her father tells the documentary: "We moved to Scotland and they started to change accent, especially Elena because she was young. She became a Scottish girl. Scotland became very important to Elena. Baltacha began working with tennis coach Jimmy Mackechnie at Perth Tennis Club and by the time she met Judy Murray she was already an impressive player.
Her brother, also called Sergei, said he thought he was quite good at tennis but his younger sister was much better. She started to develop a reputation as a fierce player on the court. By September she achieved her highest world ranking of 49, but was still struggling with various illnesses by the time of the London Olympics in Immediately afterwards she needed foot surgery.
Players including Tim Henman, Greg Rusedski, Andy Murray and Ross Hutchins who recently went through chemotherapy at the Royal Marsden hospital for Hodgkin's lymphoma have been involved in the Rally for Bally fundraising event which was set up as soon as the seriousness of Baltacha's condition became known in January, and the event will go ahead in her memory. She was special to all of us. Everyone knew she was a fighter and we all thought she would get through.
The three events, which will include Martina Navratilova, Laura Robson and Heather Watson, will raise money for the Royal Marsden and the Elena Baltacha Academy for Tennis , near Ipswich, which was set up in to encourage children from all backgrounds to learn tennis.
The academy will continue under the supervision of Baltacha's husband and long-time coach, Nino Severino, whom she married last December, a few weeks after announcing her retirement from tennis. Elena Baltacha obituary. Former British No 1 tennis player whose fighting spirit led her to win 11 single titles and reach the third round of Wimbledon. Elena Baltacha playing in a mixed doubles match at Wimbledon in This is why she should be held up as a role model.
My thoughts and prayers are with Elena's family on their tragic loss. RIP ElenaBaltacha. My thoughts go out to her family and friends.
Truly inspirational woman, a sad loss. RIP 'Bally'. Current world number one Serena Williams: external-link "My deepest prayers, thoughts, concern and love goes out to Elena Baltacha's family. My thoughts are with her family and friends. She was a true leader for England's tennis players. I know you're in heaven because that's where angels belong.
Rest in peace Bally. You will never be forgotten. Rest in peace. My thought are with Nino and all of her family xx" British number three Heather Watson. So sad to hear of Elena Baltacha's passing - my thoughts are with her family and loved ones, gone much much too soon Thoughts and love to family and friends.
0コメント