Former Wimbledon champion Jana Novotná died on Sunday at the age of 49. Novotná died "peacefully" after a long battle with cancer. Czech Republic tennis player Jana Novotná has died peacefully in her home at the age of 49. Renowned for a trailblazing serve and volley playing style in the 1990s, Novotná won 24 WTA singles titles, the 1998 Wimbledon Championships title, and reached a singles ranking of world number two in a decorated 14-year professional career.