Former Wimbledon champion Jana Novotna dies after losing battle with cancer

The WTA announced the news on Monday morning in a Twitter post.

The statement read: "It is with deep sadness that the WTA announces the passing on Sunday, November 19, of Jana Novotna, aged 49."

Novotna won the Wimbledon women's singles title in 1998 and was beaten by Steffi Graf in the 1993 final.

The Czech had been battling cancer and died surrounded by her family at her home.

Novotna was at the peak of her powers in the 1990s, winning 24 singles titles, but her success at SW19 was her only grand slam victory.

Having been beaten in by Martina Hingis in the 1997 final, Novotna exacted her revenge a year later by downing the Swiss in the semi-final and went on to defeat Frenchwoman Nathalie Tauziat to lift the crown.

It was a moment of redemption for the likeable Novotna, who was in tears after losing the 1993 final to Graf and was consoled by Duchess of Kent at the trophy presentation.

She reached the final of the Australian Open once and the semi-finals of the French Open and US Open twice, while also enjoying prolific success in doubles, winning 12 grand slam titles.

WTA chief executive officer Steve Simon said: "Jana was an inspiration both on and off court to anyone who had the opportunity to know her.

"Her star will always shine brightly in the history of the WTA. Our condolences and our thoughts are with Jana's family."

Former British number one Jo Durie said: "I am shocked, as many other people are, because I really didn't know she was so ill. It's very sad.

"She was a lovely person, quite quiet and quite private. She was knowledgeable about the game and friendly, she had a good sense of humour.

"On court, she could be a very fierce competitor, she really was so tough. She was a wonderful player, she was so good on faster courts, she would serve and volley and chip and charge and she was great around the net.

"I think everyone had a tear in their eye when she didn't win that first final against Steffi. We have all been in that situation where you nearly win but you can't quite do it and your opponent gets the better of you.

"It was horrible to watch, but what nerve to actually win it five years later, and I think all of us in the tennis world were joyful and glad that she did it."

Her countrywoman Martina Navratilova described her friend as an "amazing woman".

She posted on Twitter: "The tennis world is so sad about the passing of Jana Novotna...I am gutted and beyond words- Jana was a true friend and an amazing woman..."

Novotna was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame in 2005 and WTA chief executive Steve Simon says that her legacy is set in stone.

He said: "Jana was an inspiration both on and off court to anyone who had the opportunity to know her.

"Her star will always shine brightly in the history of the WTA. Our condolences and our thoughts are with Jana's family."

Chris Evert tweeted: "A sad loss to the tennis world, but a devastating loss to those of us who shared a deep friendship with her...a woman with integrity and honor. RIP Jana."