Baltacha will find first game hard going

Jun 22 2009 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

ELENA Baltacha must overcome a stiff test of her championship credentials if she is to progress at this year’s Wimbledon, which gets under way today.

The 25-year-old Buddie is up against world number 32 Alona Bondarenko in the opening round at SW19.

Baltacha, who is currently ranked 105 in the world – her best placing yet – was paired with Bondarenko during Friday’s draw.

Although Elena has a Paisley connection having stayed here earlier in her career, she was born in the Ukraine, the same country as Bondarenko.

But there will be no love lost between them when they take to the court and battle it our for a place in round two.

Bondarenko, 24, is playing her fifth Wimbledon and her best performance saw her reach the third rounds in 2005 and 2007.

But it’s hoped that GB number two Baltacha will have plenty of home supporters to cheer her on and the added experienced of playing the tournament for the eighth time to see her through.

Baltacha said: “I’ve had a really good start to the grass court season and hopefully I can continue my good form at Wimbledon now.

“I’ve got quite a good record there and I’ve played it several times now and I know I can do really well.”

Whoever wins will play either Kirsten Flipkens of Belgium or Agnes Szavay of Hungary in round two.