Elena Baltacha, the former British No.1, died last year, on 4th May, from liver cancer at the age of 30. She was consistently described as “one of the shining lights of British women’s tennis of recent generations”.

Nino Severino, her husband had said, “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”.

She represented Britain in the Fed Cup for 11 years and was the nation’s No.1 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, making it to the same stage at the Australian and French Opens.

This is our humble attempt to rekindle the fighting spirit of Elena, who fought tirelessly against the opposition on court and never gave in to the struggles she endured off it. Her spirit shall live on and she shall forever be remembered for her relentless determination, unbelievable drive and willpower that never ceased to amaze us.

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/may/05/elena-baltacha-dies-liver-cancer-tennis