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BORN
1968
DIED
2017
Jana Novotna Obituary
The WTA announced Novotna's death on Monday, saying she died Sunday in her native Czech Republic following a long battle with cancer.
Novotna died "peacefully, surrounded by her family," the women's tennis body said.
Her family confirmed her death to the Czech Republic's CTK news agency. No details were given.
Martina Navratilova, the tennis great who was also born in what was then Czechoslovakia, tweeted: "The tennis world is so sad about the passing of Jana Novotna. I am gutted and beyond words. Jana was a true friend and an amazing woman."
Novotna won her only Grand Slam singles title at Wimbledon in 1998, eventually triumphing after two losses in the final at the All England Lawn Tennis Club in 1993 and 1997. She also lost in the 1991 Australian Open final.
While she finally captured the Grand Slam singles title she longed for in 1998, she won over the Wimbledon crowd five years earlier after wasting a big lead in the decisive set in a tough three-set loss to Steffi Graf.
Unable to hide her disappointment, Novotna cried on the shoulder of Britain's Duchess of Kent at the prize giving ceremony and was gently comforted by the royal, who told her: "I know you will win it one day, don't worry."
Novotna ultimately had her moment five years later when she beat Nathalie Tauziat in straight sets to win Wimbledon. At the time, she was the oldest first-time winner of a Grand Slam singles title at age 29.
There wear tears again from Novotna, this time of joy, and the Duchess of Kent was present again to congratulate her.
"She was a true champion in all senses of the word, and her 1998 triumph will live long in the memory," Wimbledon organizers the All England Club said in tribute to Novotna. "The thoughts of all those at Wimbledon are with her family and friends."
Fellow Czech and four-time Grand Slam champion Hana Mandlikova, who coached Novotna for her Wimbledon win, said: "It's hard to find words. Jana was a great girl and I'm happy that she won Wimbledon after all. It's so sad when someone so young dies."
During a 14-year professional career, Novotna won 24 singles titles and reached a career-high No. 2 in the singles rankings in 1997. She was a prolific and top-ranked doubles player, collecting 16 slam titles in doubles and mixed doubles.
She won three Olympic medals, silver in the doubles at the 1988 Seoul Games and silver again in the doubles and bronze in the singles in Atlanta in 1996. She also won the Fed Cup with her country in 1988. Novotna was inducted into tennis' Hall of Fame in 2005.
Even after retiring in 1999, Novotna was desperate to stay involved in tennis and became a commentator and coach.
"I'm dependent on tennis," she said in an interview two years ago. "A day without it would be terrible."
Members of the current Czech Fed Cup team said Novotna "supported us in the stands any time she could be there. We'll miss her."
"Jana was an inspiration both on and off court to anyone who had the opportunity to know her," WTA chief executive Steve Simon said. "Her star will always shine brightly in the history of the WTA."
Copyright © 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Memories and Condolences
for Jana Novotna
54 Entries
Char Elias
May 6, 2018
This took me by complete surprise as I have not kept up with tennis. My heartfelt condolences for the loss of such an amazing athlete. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all as you continue to grieve her loss. I enjoyed the amazing matches she thrilled us all to. RIP beautiful heart.
Nicola Chatfield
April 8, 2018
Jana, your star will always shine bright, such a wonderful person on and off court. RIP xx
December 11, 2017
I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family for their loss of an athletic woman, who touched many hearts. May you find comfort and help in God during this time of mourning.
December 1, 2017
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
December 1, 2017
Heartfelt condolences. May the wonderful memories you have fill your hearts with love and bring you peace. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. Respectfully, Ali
November 30, 2017
Thank you for all of the wonderful memories we have of watching you play - it was such a privilege to witness your amazing, exciting, fluid tennis. We will miss you so much our lovely Jana...rest in peace, with much love M & J xx
Mac and Charles Shane
November 29, 2017
Jana was an amazing person and friend. She will be truly missed.
Kym Mason
November 27, 2017
R I.P Jana a champion tennis player and a champion person have never shed as many tears as I have at your passing deepest sympathy to your loved ones gone but will never be forgotten stay forever young
MICHELE ARCHBOLD
November 26, 2017
So very sorry to hear of Jana's passing. RIP XX
November 26, 2017
Thank you for everything.
I will miss you for ever.
Rest in peace.
Maren
November 26, 2017
May the GOD of all comfort be whit the Flamy. Will be miss.
November 25, 2017
With heartfelt sympathy. Please accept my deepest condolences. May you continue to cherish her precious memories together. May you find comfort in the God of all comfort to offer you comfort and to give you the strength to endure during these difficult times ahead.
.
chris duffy
November 25, 2017
I watched Jana for years on the television.
I finally went to Wimbledon and watched her play on court number one. I really loved the spirit of the girl.
I will miss her. I thought she was an angel and .......
November 24, 2017
Jana was a true champion both on and off of the court.
She will be missed by all.
Kathy and Sue
Pacific Grove, CA
November 24, 2017
A true champion on and off the court.
angie power
November 24, 2017
simply the best , forever in myheart RIP xxx
November 24, 2017
So sorry to learn of your passing you were a wonderful tennis player and I am sure that you will be a sad loss to your family. My prayers are with them at this sad time. I am sure that you will shine brightly in heaven.
Sandra (Bridgwater,Somerset UK)
Sisi
November 24, 2017
I'm so sorry for your loss. Jana was a wonderful athletic and friend. She will be missed.
Jeff Moore
November 24, 2017
Learned watching you play many times as my own tennis game evolved - if only my feet and movement could be half as good as yours.Pray you, your Family, and fans (while I am at it - the World) are all overwhelmed by the outpouring of CHRIST'S LOVE, now and for all the days ahead. 1st Thessalonians 4: vs 14 through 18. Sincerely Jm USA
Lesley Munsey
November 23, 2017
I watched you become a legend ,you will shine on Jana
John Shaughnessy
November 23, 2017
Saddened beyond words of her untimely passing. You played with such fluidity and grace. She was as professional and graceful as they come. Condolences to her family. Blessings and love to Jana in heaven.
November 22, 2017
Please accept my heartfelt condolences for the passing of your dear loved one, May each of you find comfort in the happy hope found at
John 6:40 and 5:28
My condolences
Rachel
caroline jones
November 22, 2017
RIP Jana, my inspiration, my idol, the most talented incredible person - my heart is broken knowing we will not see you again but you will truly never be forgotten and you are forever in my heart.
caroline.
November 22, 2017
R.I.P Yana
You were a most beautiful tennis player and a joy to watch with all your talent
Olive
Renate Hogarth
November 22, 2017
Dear Jana, you are at peace now. You are a true Champion and you will never be forgotten. Nothing can tear the band of love apart, not even death. God bless you and all your loved ones.
Olive Kilbane
November 22, 2017
R.I.P Yana,
You were such a beautiful tennis player hope your inspiration and style of play will be continued long into the future
Cindy
November 22, 2017
So sorry for the Loss of your love one may you have and cherish many fond memories. Psalms 31:7
November 22, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
T
November 22, 2017
Wow,what an amazing human. My thoughts,and prayers are with the family both now,and forever.
November 22, 2017
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Patti & Devon
November 22, 2017
Our community and your fans will miss you
and all the charities you supported. Thanks for the memories. RIP
November 21, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a loved one is never easy. Our loving God promises to give you the strength and comfort you will need to endure and cope with the pain of your loss. He also promises to hold your hand every step of the way. Isa.40:29,41:10,13.
Carlotta
November 21, 2017
May the God of all peace bring comfort to the Novotna family and friends at this difficult time.
November 21, 2017
Sincere condolences to the Novotna family for your great loss. May God comfort each of you during your time of mourning.
November 21, 2017
May the God of all comfort be with the family and give you peace.
Harry Simpson
November 21, 2017
Godspeed Jana, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
November 21, 2017
Peace and love to your family my sincere condolences.
November 21, 2017
My heartfelt condolences and prayers to the Novotna family. May God grant solace to the family and acquaintances during this most challenging time. Jana was truly an amazing and talented person. Her fine legacy of Tennis will always be remembered. With Love & Prayers
Jane Dowling
November 21, 2017
God bless you and your loved ones, dear Jana...Rest in peace.
November 21, 2017
I'm so sad to learn of Jana's death. I always admired her for the way she carried herself on the court. She was a fierce competitor, but she never lost her human touch and empathic side. She will be missed!
Hernan Sanchez
November 21, 2017
Una Campeona! Que en paz descanse.
November 21, 2017
Sincere condolences goes out to the family and friends of Jana Novotna .Acts24: 15
Jean
November 21, 2017
Cancer is a relentless beast and I am so sorry she had to go through that ordeal. She will be missed greatly. God will mend the broken hearts of family and friends.
Kim M
November 21, 2017
Rip Jana a true champion at peace
Penny Williams
November 20, 2017
R.I.P. Jana, you will be sadly missed.
November 20, 2017
Deepest sympathy. Ms. Novotna will be missed greatly. Thoughts and prayers in the days ahead. May God comfort you in this difficult time.
Connie
November 20, 2017
May the God of comfort be with you at this time
Renee
November 20, 2017
With deepest sympathy to the family. We look forward to God's promise that He will wipe out tears, death, mourning, and pain.
P S
November 20, 2017
My sincere condolence to the Novotna family. May you be sustained and comforted by our heavenly Father in this time of great loss.(2Thess.2:16,17)
al squalli
November 20, 2017
Rip Jana.We love you....
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