Bally pays tribute to Olympic backers

Aug 1 2012 by Andy Newport, Paisley Daily Express

EMOTIONAL Elena Baltacha has thanked the GB fans who played a part in the Olympic memories she will treasure forever.

The Paisley ace was left sobbing as her participation in two tournaments were cut short within the space of three hours.

First, she crashed out of the Ladies Singles contest at Wimbledon on Monday as she was gunned down 6-4, 7-6 (7-4) in the second round by former world number one Ana Ivanovich.

Then, she and partner Anne Keothavong were blown out of the Ladies Doubles event at the first hurdle by Germany's Julia Goerges and Anna-Lena Gronefeld, following a 6-3, 6-1 reverse at the All England Club.

Bally had been moved to tears when she was given the news she had won a place at the London Games while competing at Wimbledon early last month.

But the emotion took over again following her defeat to 11th seed Ivanovich.

It could turn out to be the last time fans see the former British number one competing on the highest level as she prepares to take six months off to have surgery on a ankle problem.

But, before heading to go under the knife, she hailed the fans who supported her through her Olympic adventure.

She tweeted: “My London 2012 Olympics experience is over, but it will stay with me forever.

“I loved every second of playing for Team GB and I had goosebumps on court at Wimbledon because the support I got was amazing!

“To everyone who was there, everyone cheering at home and especially to all of you ... THANK YOU!”