Tennis player Elena Baltacha has died of liver cancer at the age of 30.

Born in Ukraine and raised in Scotland, former British number one Elena Baltacha revealed she had the illness in March 2014.

Elena Baltacha, who was British number one for nearly three years, retired from the sport in November 2013.

Elena Baltacha, who was British number one for nearly three years, retired from the sport in November 2013 (photo Wikipedia)

“We are heartbroken beyond words at the loss of our beautiful, talented and determined Bally,” said husband Nino Severino, who was also her coach.

Elena Baltacha learned she had liver cancer in mid-January 2014, two months after retiring from professional tennis and only a few weeks after marrying.

“She was an amazing person and she touched so many people with her inspirational spirit, her warmth and her kindness,” added Nino Severino.

Elena Baltacha was diagnosed with primary sclerosis cholangitis, a chronic liver condition which compromises the immune system, at the age of 19.

Despite her illness and multiple injury problems, Elena Baltacha went on to reach the Australian Open third round in 2005 and 2010 and reached a career-high world ranking of 49.

Elena Baltacha won 11 singles titles, made the third round of Wimbledon in 2002 and was part of Great Britain’s Fed Cup team for 11 years.