The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Tennis: Tributes flow for Novotna.
Tributesflow: 17-timegrandslam championNovotnadies, aged49
Former Wimbledon champion Jana Novotna has died from cancer, aged 49.
The Czech player, who won the 1998 singles title at SW19, lost her struggle with the disease on Sunday.
A statement read: “It is with deep sadness that the WTA announces the passing on Sunday, November 19, of Jana Novotna.
“After a long battle with cancer, Jana died peacefully, surrounded by her family in her native Czech Republic.”
At the peak of her powers in the 1990s, Novotna featured in one of the most enduring images in the long history of Wimbledon after famously being consoled by the Duchess of Kent after losing the 1993 final to Steffi Graf.
She was known for her battling qualities, though, and overcame another final defeat in 1997, this time to Martina Hingis, to finally get her hands on the trophy in 1998, beat- ing Frenchwoman Nathalie Tauziat. That ended up being her only grand slam title in singles, though she was prolific in the doubles, winning 12 grand slams in the women’s doubles while ticking off the full set of Wimbledon, the French Open, the Australian Open and the US Open.
She also won mixed doubles titles at the Australian Open (two), Wimbledon and the US Open for a total of 17. Novotna represented her country with success, claiming silver medals at the 1988 and 1996 Olympics as well as an additional bronze at the latter.
She was the world number one doubles player in 1990 and got to number two in the singles in 1997.
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 paid tribute to Novotna’s spirit on court.
She said: “All thoughts to her family and friends. So glad Jana won Wimbledon. Such a fighter on court and a wicked sense of humour.”
Former American doubles star Pam Schriver added: “Jana was as kind as she was athletic, as smart as she was competive. I can’t believe she is gone this soon. Her smile lives forever young.”
Former player Andrew Castle said: “She was good fun of an evening, a champion on court, so tough to play against. And her smile was wonderful.”
“I can’tbelieve sheisgonethis soon. Hersmile livesforever”