Andy Murray led an emotional silent tribute today to childhood friend and former British women’s number one Elena Baltacha who lost her battle against liver cancer.
The Wimbledon champion, accompanied by brother Jamie, looked sombre and was clearly moved as a minute’s silence was observed at the Madrid Open.
A total of 40 players and officials paid their respects, with Murray said to be too upset to say anything in public.
He and his brother had known her since childhood, while their mother Judy had been a mentor.
The Kiev-born Scot, who moved to Britain aged five when her footballer father joined Ipswich Town prior to going north, had forged a successful career despite battling against a liver condition that was first discovered when she was a 19 year-old.
Three fundraising events in her name for the fight against cancer due to be held in June at British tournaments will go ahead.
Her death sparked a flood of tributes for someone who reached a ranking of 49 in the world and was the winner of eleven professional tournaments.
Martina Navratilova, who herself has fought breast cancer, said: ‘Elena was a great fighter on the tennis court. We as tennis players always worry about our bodies, trying to keep injuries at bay, Daily Mail informs.
