Elena Baltacha Death: 30-Year-Old Tennis Pro Dies Of Liver Cancer

Elena Baltacha has died.

Just four months after being diagnosed with liver cancer, Baltacha, a professional tennis player, passed away peacefully in London, surrounded by her closest friends and family members.

"We are heartbroken beyond words at the loss of our beautiful, talented and determined Bally," Baltacha's husband, Nino Severino, said in a statement, according to E! News. "She was an amazing person and she touched so many people with her inspirational spirit, her warmth and her kindness."

At the age of 19, Baltacha was diagnosed with a chronic liver condition, but despite her medical challenges, Baltacha reached several milestones in her tennis career, winning 11 singles titles and reaching No. 49 in the Women's Tennis Association rankings. Then, in Jan. 2014, just two months after retiring from tennis and weeks after marrying Severino (her long-time coach), Baltacha was diagnosed with liver cancer.

According to E!, Baltacha had recently organized a "Rally for Bally" charity event to raise money for a cancer hospital and her namesake tennis academy. Several professional tennis players, including Tim Henman, Andy Murray and Martina Navratilova, are slated to participate in the event, which is scheduled for June 15.

Upon hearing the sad news of Baltacha's passing, several tennis stars took to Twitter, where they shared their grievances. Among those who spoke out were Maria Sharapova, Martina Navratilova, Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal.

"What sad news to wake up to today. My thoughts and prayers are with Elena's family on their tragic loss," Sharapova wrote.

"So sad to hear of Elena Baltacha's passing- my thoughts are with her family and loved ones, gone much much too soon...," added Navratilova.