Tributes as tennis champion Jana dies aged 49
She c aptured hearts around the world when she wept at Wimbledon after being defeated in 1993 and was comforted by t he Duchess of Kent.
Five years later, an emotional Jana Novotna cried again – but this time they were tears of joy after she won the women’s championship.
her quest for the title was highl i ghted yesterday as tributes poured in for the ‘inspirational’ Czech player who has died aged 49 after a long battle with cancer.
The All england Lawn Tennis Club tweeted: ‘She was a true champion in all senses of the word, and her 1998 triumph will live long in the memory.’
After her defeat by Steffi Graf in 1993, Miss Novotna revealed the Duchess of Kent had told her: ‘Jana, I believe that you will do it, don’t worry.’
She went on to win Wimbledon in 1998 and by the end of her 14year career had 17 Grand Slam titles to her name. In a statement yesterday, the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) 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.’
Fellow Czech player Martina Navratilova tweeted: ‘I am gutted and beyond words – Jana was a true f ri end and an amazing woman.’
The three-time Olympic champion died on Sunday surrounded by her family in the Czech Republic, the WTA said. Speaking to the BBC about being consoled by the duchess, Miss Novotna said: ‘I opened the newspaper and my picture with the Duchess of Kent was on the front pages.
‘It felt like I was the winner and that was a great feeling. Maybe that match helped me to accomplish a lot more in my career.’
Former British ladies number one Jo Durie wrote on social media: ‘Oh no how terribly sad. All thoughts to her family and friends. So glad Jana won Wimbledon. Such a fighter on court and a wicked sense of humour.’
Australian player Pat Cash tweeted: ‘ So sad to hear that fellow Wimbledon champ Jana Novotna has passed. A sweeter nicer and more talented athlete you would never meet.’
US doubles ace Pam Shriver added: ‘Jana was as kind as she was athletic, as smart as she was competitive. her smile lives forever young.’
Former UK tennis star Andrew Castle said: ‘ What a terrible shame. She was good fun of an evening, a champion on court, so tough to play against. And her smile was wonderful.’