Brazilian tennis legend Maria Bueno dies, aged 78

Brazilian tennis star Maria Bueno has passed away at the age of 78.

The three-time Wimbledon winner died on Friday, three days after being admitted to hospital in Sao Paulo with mouth cancer.

Bueno is South America's most successful female tennis player, having won 19 major titles during her career in the 1950s and 1960s.

However, her career was cut short by elbow problems, which she blamed on the heavy rackets used in the sport at the time.

The official Tennis Hall of Fame led the tributes to Bueno following the news of her passing, taking to Twitter to describe her as "a graceful and accomplished champion who leaves a lasting legacy".

Tonight we remember a graceful and accomplished champion who leaves a lasting legacy of inspiration to generations of players in her native Brazil and beyond.

Our condolences to the family, friends, and many fans of Hall of Famer Maria Esther Bueno. pic.twitter.com/T2OPDv1bWT

— Tennis Hall of Fame (@TennisHalloFame) June 9, 2018