Elena Baltacha Diagnosed With Liver Cancer
7 March 2014, 15:52 | Updated: 7 March 2014, 17:26
Former British number one tennis player Elena Baltacha, who's from Ipswich, has been diagnosed with liver cancer.
The 30-year-old, who retired from the sport last November due to a series of injuries, is undergoing treatment and thanked people for the support she has received.
In a statement on the Lawn Tennis Association website, she said: ''I have recently been diagnosed with cancer of the liver.
''I'm currently undergoing treatment and fighting this illness with everything I have.''
At the age of 19 Baltacha was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis, a chronic liver condition which affects the immune system.
She managed the condition throughout her career with medication and regular blood tests. She went on to win 11 singles titles.
She's been a patron of the Children's Liver Disease Foundation since 2010.
Since retiring in November, she has married her long-term coach and partner Nino Severino and has been coaching junior tennis players at her Ipswich-based academy.
Judy Murray, a friend of Baltacha and captain of Britain's female tennis Fed Cup team, said: "Obviously this is a tough time for Bally, Nino 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.''
Commentators have pointed to Great Britain Davis Cup player Ross Hutchins as inspiration for Baltacha. The 29-year-old returned to action earlier this year with doubles partner Colin Fleming after recovering from Hodgkins Lymphoma - a form of cancer.
Fellow player Anne Keothavong, who was at the top of British female tennis with Balatacha for many years, tweeted a picture of the pair along with a message of support. It read: ''She's one of the people I most admire for her courage and determination. You'll fight through this @ElenaBaltacha xxx.''
A statement on the LTA website says
"I have recently been diagnosed with cancer of the liver. I'm currently undergoing treatment and fighting this illness with everything I have," said Elena. - See more at: http://www.lta.org.uk/News/2014/March/03-03-2014/Elena-Baltacha-diagnosed-with-liver-cancer/#sthash.0Il7JODo.dpuf
"I have recently been diagnosed with cancer of the liver. I'm currently undergoing treatment and fighting this illness with everything I have," said Elena. - See more at: http://www.lta.org.uk/News/2014/March/03-03-2014/Elena-Baltacha-diagnosed-with-liver-cancer/#sthash.0Il7JODo.dpuf
"I have recently been diagnosed with cancer of the liver. I'm currently undergoing treatment and fighting this illness with everything I have," says Elena.
Elena and her husband Nino would like to thank everyone for their continued support.
Judy Murray, Captain of the Aegon GB Fed Cup Team said: "Obviously this is a tough time for Bally, Nino 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."
Elena Baltacha has been diagnosed with cancer of the liver.
"I have recently been diagnosed with cancer of the liver. I'm currently undergoing treatment and fighting this illness with everything I have," said Elena.
Elena and her husband Nino would like to thank everyone for their continued support.
Judy Murray, Captain of the Aegon GB Fed Cup Team said:
"Obviously this is a tough time for Bally, Nino 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."
- See more at: http://www.lta.org.uk/News/2014/March/03-03-2014/Elena-Baltacha-diagnosed-with-liver-cancer/#sthash.WKJeq5bq.dpufElena Baltacha has been diagnosed with cancer of the liver.
"I have recently been diagnosed with cancer of the liver. I'm currently undergoing treatment and fighting this illness with everything I have," said Elena.
Elena and her husband Nino would like to thank everyone for their continued support.
Judy Murray, Captain of the Aegon GB Fed Cup Team said:
"Obviously this is a tough time for Bally, Nino 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."
- See more at: http://www.lta.org.uk/News/2014/March/03-03-2014/Elena-Baltacha-diagnosed-with-liver-cancer/#sthash.WKJeq5bq.dpufElena Baltacha has been diagnosed with cancer of the liver.
"I have recently been diagnosed with cancer of the liver. I'm currently undergoing treatment and fighting this illness with everything I have," said Elena.
Elena and her husband Nino would like to thank everyone for their continued support.
Judy Murray, Captain of the Aegon GB Fed Cup Team said:
"Obviously this is a tough time for Bally, Nino 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."
- See more at: http://www.lta.org.uk/News/2014/March/03-03-2014/Elena-Baltacha-diagnosed-with-liver-cancer/#sthash.WKJeq5bq.dpufElena Baltacha has been diagnosed with cancer of the liver.
"I have recently been diagnosed with cancer of the liver. I'm currently undergoing treatment and fighting this illness with everything I have," said Elena.
Elena and her husband Nino would like to thank everyone for their continued support.
Judy Murray, Captain of the Aegon GB Fed Cup Team said:
"Obviously this is a tough time for Bally, Nino 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."
- See more at: http://www.lta.org.uk/News/2014/March/03-03-2014/Elena-Baltacha-diagnosed-with-liver-cancer/#sthash.WKJeq5bq.dpufElena Baltacha has been diagnosed with cancer of the liver.
"I have recently been diagnosed with cancer of the liver. I'm currently undergoing treatment and fighting this illness with everything I have," said Elena.
Elena and her husband Nino would like to thank everyone for their continued support.
Judy Murray, Captain of the Aegon GB Fed Cup Team said:
"Obviously this is a tough time for Bally, Nino 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."
- See more at: http://www.lta.org.uk/News/2014/March/03-03-2014/Elena-Baltacha-diagnosed-with-liver-cancer/#sthash.WKJeq5bq.dpuf