By James Riach/theguardian.com


Elena Baltacha, the former British No1 tennis player, has been diagnosed with liver cancer, vowing to “fight the illness with everything I have”.
Baltacha, who retired from the sport in November last year, was diagnosed as a teenager with primary sclerosing cholangitis, a chronic liver condition which compromises the immune system.
The 30-year-old released a short statement on Friday and received a number of messages of support. 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.”
The statement continued: “Elena and her husband Nino would like to thank everyone for their continued support.”
Baltacha, who is Scottish but was born in Ukraine, represented Britain in the Fed Cup for 11 years and was the nation’s No1 female player between 2009 and 2012, reaching a career-high world ranking of 49 in 2010.
She won 11 singles titles during a 16-year career and reached the third round of Wimbledon in 2002, getting to the same stage at the Australian Open and French Open.
Judy Murray, current captain of Britain’s Fed Cup team, said: “Obviously this is a tough time for Bally, Nino and her family, but she is 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.”
Baltacha and Anne Keothavong were for many years the faces of British women’s tennis, bearing the brunt of media attention at the beginning of each Wimbledon championships, before the emergence of current talents Laura Robson and Heather Watson.
Keothavong tweeted: “She’s one of the people I most admire for her courage and determination. You’ll fight through this ElenaBaltacha xxx.”
Since her retirement Baltacha has been focusing on a youth academy in her hometown of Ipswich, founded with her coach Nino Severino, who she married last year.
Baltacha’s father, Sergie, played professional football for Ipswich Town and her mother, Olga, represented the Soviet Union at the Olympic Games.
Andrew Castle, a fellow former British No1, tweeted: “Passing on love and best wishes to Elena Baltacha for a speedy recovery. Shocked by this news.”
Helen Grant, the government minister for sport, tourism and equalities, said: “My thoughts are with Elena Baltacha, her family and friends.”
The former Davis Cup player Ross Hutchins was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma, a form of cancer, in December 2012, but announced he was in remission in July last year. The 29-year-old returned to action earlier this year and was recently appointed tournament director of London’s Aegon Championships.
— Guardian News Service