The husband of former British tennis number one Elena Baltacha has expressed his 'heartbreak' following the death of the 30-year-old.

Baltacha passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning following a battle with liver cancer.

The retired sportswoman, who was married to long-time coach and partner Nino Severino, was diagnosed with the disease in January this year.

In a statement, her husband said: "We are heartbroken beyond words at the loss of our beautiful, talented and determined Bally. She was an amazing person and she touched so many people with her inspirational spirit, her warmth and her kindness."

Baltacha won 11 singles titles in her career before retiring in November last year.