Former British number one tennis player Elena Baltacha lost her short battle with liver cancer yesterday. The 30-year-old passed away in the early hours less than four months after she was diagnosed with the disease.

Elena, who reached the top 50 in the world rankings in 2010, only retired from the sport at the end of 2013.  She died at home in Ipswich, Suffolk with her husband Nino Severino by her side and surrounded by friends and family.

Nino, who married Elena weeks before her cancer diagnosis, said last night: “We are heartbroken beyond words at the loss of our beautiful, talented and determined Bally.

“She was an amazing person and she touched so many people with her inspirational spirit, her warmth and her kindness.”

Elena was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis, a chronic liver condition which compromises the immune system, aged 19.

Despite illness and injuries, she went on to reach the Australian Open third round in 2005 and 2010 and reached a career-high world ranking of 49.

She won 11 singles titles, made the third round of Wimbledon in 2002 and was part of Great Britain’s Fed Cup team for 11 years.

“We have so many special memories to cherish, but this leaves a gaping hole for everybody in both British and women’s tennis, and words simply cannot express how saddened we are by this news. All our thoughts are with Niño and the rest of Elena’s family. We will miss you Bal.”