Tennis: Baltacha can compete with world's best

Jun 19 2009 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

PAISLEY tennis queen Elena Baltacha is convinced she now possesses the required ammunition to compete with the world’s best despite crashing out of the AEGON International 6-2, 7-5 against China’s Li Na.

The 25-year-old Brit, who is ranked at a career high of 105 in the world, has been in red-hot form in recent weeks after progressing to the semi-finals of the AEGON Trophy in Nottingham and pushing world Number 27 Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova close at the AEGON Classic in Birmingham.

Great Britain number two Baltacha, who has been handed a wildcard for the main draw at Wimbledon next week, was unable to produce the goods to trouble world number 19 Na at Eastbourne.

But despite her first round exit, the Paisley ace is convinced she will learn from her defeat and become a better and stronger player.

“I’m not too disappointed with how it went,” said Baltacha.

“I learned so much from that match. At the moment I’m not good enough to beat a player of that calibre.

“But the positive thing is that I’m only a little bit away and I’m sure I can make that leap. I’ve said that in the past but this time I really believe it.

“I’m at 105 in the world now and that’s the highest I’ve ever been and everything is going really well.

“I have a fantastic back-up team and it’s fantastic to have everything done so professionally – I know the results will follow.”

Baltacha will spend the rest of the week in Eastbourne, practicing on grass in preparation for next week’s championships at the All England Club, which begin on Monday.

After a difficult 12 months Baltacha is refusing to make any bold predictions for next week at SW19 – but has promised she is on the verge of producing something special.

“I’m going to stay and train here for the rest of the week and prepare for Wimbledon,” added Baltacha.

“No matter who I have at Wimbledon I’m feeling very confident. I’m playing really well and I can’t wait to get to Wimbledon. It’s the best tournament in the world.

“But I’m not putting too much pressure on myself to get a result at Wimbledon and maybe that will help me.

“I don’t need to be trying too hard or getting anxious because my shots are coming off well and everything has improved.

“You’ve got to be positive and look forward. Last year was a hard year but at the moment everything is positive and I can’t wait to get to the All England Club.”

Leading life assurance and pensions company AEGON is lead partner of British Tennis and is backing the sport at all levels, from grassroots to world class tennis events.

For further information visit the website www.lta.org.uk