Elena Baltacha, the longstanding British Tennis no 1, dies from liver cancer

[LittleMissDisorganized]

here in the guardian

I've been a tennis fan since my teens - can't believe she achieved so much despite having Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis, and what a sad, early death. Definitely can see how her spirit does live on, the very best of British tennis for her era. She was 2 years younger than me - RIP, and thoughts with her husband, family, friends and fellow players.

Im shocked that the news channels are more interested in footy results, the snooker, and the golf to even give her a mention (sky news today).

At least they mentioned it on the tennis tournament on sky sports 3.

BBC news more obliging.

so sad for her and her family.

OMG. just put world sport on Cnn on to see and STILL bloody footballs more important.

tennis doesn't exist unless its the grand slams or a top 5 player.

The local Radio Suffolk news have been running heartfelt and personal interviews about her since yesterday. Not only that, but they have ran old recorded interviews with her. And Twitter too because so many locals met her and were inspired by her.

Suffolk is VERY proud of her.

to her family and friends.

One of our #SuffolkStars there in the sky tonight.

So sad and so young. And yes, it is being largely ignored by the press. Tragic.

How tragic, poor woman.

I met her very briefly as she was the Patron of a project I was slightly involved with. She seemed very caring and interested in young people. She set up her Academy of Tennis locally and I do hope this continues as a positive legacy and comfort to her family.

Very sad news. I shed a tear for Elena and her family today. Very tragic.

Martina I agree - I was really surprised to be the first to start a thread. I think it's partly tennis and partly because she is female - I'm sorry if others disagree.

It's great to hear though that she had such a huge effect locally though Mignonette - to have set up a tennis academy despite not being a top 10 star - that takes real commitment and investment. I really admire her and it's so very sad.

A tear was shed for Elena - I watched the minutes silence in Spain last night, very moving. Truly sad news.

Very sad indeed, poor woman - fairly newly married, plans to take up coaching after having retired last year, and wham. :(

RIP Elena Baltacha.