Wimbledon champion Novotna dies after battle with cancer

FILE PHOTO - Jana Novotna of the Czech Republic hugs the winner's trophy after victory over Nathalie Tauziat of France in the Women's Singles final at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships July 4. Novotna won the match 6-4 7-6 (7-2)/File Photo

PRAGUE/LONDON (Reuters) - Czech tennis player Jana Novotna, who won the 1998 Wimbledon championship after falling short in two previous finals, has died at the age of 49 after a long battle with cancer.

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) said on Monday Novotna died on Sunday surrounded by her family in the Czech Republic.