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British tennis star Elena Baltacha laid to rest in private funeral in Ipswich

Former British number one tennis star Elena Baltacha is laid to rest at a private funeral in Ipswich after losing her battle with liver cancer.

Former British number one tennis star Elena Baltacha was laid to rest on Monday as family and friends from the sport attended her funeral in Ipswich.

Andy Murray's mother Judy Murray and former players Tim Henman, Anne Keothavong and Annabel Croft were among the 300 mourners at the private ceremony.

Baltacha passed away earlier this month at the age of 30 after losing her four-month battle with liver cancer.

A fundraising event named Rally for Bally was announced before the sportswoman's death, but will go ahead this summer with funds going to the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and the Elena Baltacha Academy of Tennis.

Baltacha's husband Nino Severino said in a statement after the funeral: "The tributes and love for Bally from around the world in the last two weeks and the way that everyone has got behind the Rally For Bally have made us so proud of her and how she touched people's lives.

"We would like to thank everyone for their support. We know that her memory and her spirit will live on."

British tennis star Laura Robson is also said to have been in attendance at the funeral.

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Elena Baltacha of Great Britain reacts during the Ladies Singles match against Flavia Pennetta of Italy on day one of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on June 24, 2013
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