Tennis

Baltacha diagnosed with liver cancer

ESPN staff

March 7, 2014

Elena Baltacha retired from tennis last year © Getty Images

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Former British No.1 Elena Baltacha has revealed she has been diagnosed with cancer of the liver.

"I'm currently undergoing treatment and fighting this illness with everything I have," Baltacha, 30, said in a statement.

Baltacha retired from tennis in November, having won 11 singles titles, reached the third round of Wimbledon in 2002 and the same stage of the Australian Open in 2005 and 2010.

When she was 19 years old, Baltacha was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis - a liver condition affecting the immune system - and underwent surgery in 2003.

Baltacha's former Fed Cup captain Judy Murray said: "Obviously this is a tough time for Elena, Nino [her husband] and her family but she is a such a determined, upbeat person and everyone around her is staying positive as well.

"I know she'll be really grateful for all the support that she's getting."

Baltacha played Fed Cup tennis for Great Britain for 11 years. Her old teammate Anne Keothavong sent Baltacha a message of support on Twitter following the news:

She's one of the people I most admire for her courage and determination. You'll fight through this @ElenaBaltacha xxx pic.twitter.com/MGOF8A0vsw
— Anne Keothavong (@annekeothavong) March 7, 2014

Great Britain Davis Cup player Ross Hutchins returned to action with doubles partner Colin Fleming earlier this year after recovering from Hodgkins Lymphoma.

Passing on love and best wishes to Elena Baltacha for a speedy recovery. Shocked by this news. http://t.co/qcHhQq4I92
— Andrew Castle (@AndrewCastle63) March 7, 2014