The Czech player lost her long battle with cancer and died peacefully surrounded by her family, according to the WTA.
She was famously consoled on Centre Court by the Duchess of Kent after the 1993 disappointment, crying on the royal’s shoulder.
She captured the hearts of fans at SW16 after bursting into tears following the loss to Steffi Graf.
Novotna beat Martina Hingis in the semi-final before overcoming Frenchwoman Nathalie Tauziat to lift the crown.
‘Jana was an inspiration both on and off court to anyone who had the opportunity to know her,’ said WTA chief executive Steve Simon.
‘Her star will always shine brightly in the history of the WTA. Our condolences and our thoughts are with Jana’s family,’ he added.
Novotna was known for her entertaining style of play and attacking serve-volley approach with supreme athleticism allowing her to compete with the greats of her generation.
Source: Mail Online
