Wimbledon commemorates the late Elena Baltacha with a special toss ceremony

Marion Bartoli takes part in the ceremonial coin toss in memory of the late Elena Baltacha

Marion Bartoli, the defending Wimbledon champion who retired last August, took part in the ceremonial coin-toss to commemorate the death of former British number one Elena Baltacha who died last month after suffering from liver cancer.

Defending champions generally play on Centre Court on Day 2 of the Championships, but since Bartoli has retired she came to take part in the coin-toss ceremony which ultimately kicked off the women’s singles match between Sabine Lisicki and Julia Glushko yesterday.

Giving company to Bartoli was Elle Robus-Miller, a nine-year-girl who is currently learning the game at the Elena Baltacha Academy of Tennis.

"While she was still playing tennis, when most players want to go home to rest, Elena set up this academy to help kids to play tennis," said nine-time Wimbledon champion Martina Navratilova.

Many players have been trying their bit to raise money for the academy including current British number two Laura Robson who has been selling white wristbands, while also complying with the Championships’ strict dress code.

"It's not just in this country but all around the men's and women's circuit, people have been raising money to try and keep the academy going for many years to come," said Judy Murray the captain of Great Britain Fed Cup team.

Wimbledon itself is taking the initiative to do its bit for the academy by selling yellow ‘Rally for Bally’ wristbands.

Elena Baltacha passed away last month after a long period of struggle with liver cancer. The 30-year-old had quit professional tennis in November before revealing the news about her illness in March.

Baltacha was suffering from primary sclerosing cholangitis, a chronic liver condition, since the age of 19.

Despite the illness, Baltacha reached the Australian Open third round in 2005 and 2010 and reached a career-high world ranking of 49. She also won 11 singles titles, made the thrid round of Wimbledon in 2002 and was part of the Fed Cup captained by Judy Murray.