Baltacha moves on from Wimbledon loss

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:36

A straight-sets 7-5 6-1 defeat by Belgian Kirsten Flipkens ended British interest in the women’s singles and denied Baltacha the chance to join compatriot Anne Keothavong in the world’s top 100.

“Whatever had happened this week, I know that I am going to progress and move forwards,” she said.

“It’s like two steps forward, one step back, but that’s the way it is in tennis.

“It was a great opportunity for me. If you look at all the second-round draws, this was the best one. It’s just a shame that I couldn’t deliver.”

The Kiev-born Baltacha was on course to deliver big things for British tennis ever since reaching the third round of Wimbledon in 2002 but was derailed by a series of illness and injury blows.

However, after qualifying for the Australian Open for a second time in January, she surged to a career-best 105 in the world and is determined to keep climbing.

“I will take the positives from this week,” she added. “I beat someone who is 33 in the world and I’ve performed consistently through the year.

“I qualified in Australia and won a match in Paris for the first time so I’m not worried.

“As long as I keep my body healthy, then I really believe I’m going to move forwards.”

Now get the WORLD’S BEST TENNIS MAGAZINE here