FACTOIDS
Full Name: Elena Baltacha
Nickname: Elena
Birthday: August 14, 1983
Height: 5’7"
Hometown: Enfield, Middlesex, England
Sports: Tennis
PROFILE
After keyhole surgery in 2006 on a prolapsed back, Elena Baltacha returned in March with her ranking at 660 in the world. Quietly, Elena Baltacha worked her way back into form and to 248. This came from solid success in ITF tournaments and a significant achievement at the International Women's Open in Eastbourne reaching the last 16 from qualifying, defeating compatriot Anne Keothavong in the 1st round of the main draw, then falling to Nicole Vaidisova (ranked 14) 6-3 6-2.
At Wimbledon Baltacha entered by wild card, she lost in the first round to Katarina Srebotnik. Though it was a competitive match with the first set going to a tie break, Elena fought back to take the second. In the end Katarina's form and considerable experience told, and she defeated Baltacha 7-6(4) 3-6 6-2.
She reached the quarter finals at $50000 Lexington ITF tournament, losing to 7th seed Julie Ditty. Then she was defeated at the $75000 Washington ITF tournament in the first round by 2nd seed Olga Savchuk in three sets 3-6 6-3 6-4. Despite this Elena Baltacha's ranking rose to 245th in the world. Elena Baltacha then failed to qualify fot the $50,000 ITF Bronxs but continued her rise up the rankings to 244.
An early loss in the U.S. Open qualifying to Evgeniya Rodina in straight sets 6-2 6-4, was disappointing though Rodina was ranked nearly 100 places above her.
After taking a few weeks break, Elena has returned to the tour at the AIG Japan Open Tennis Championships in Tokyo. In qualifying for this WTA Tier III event she qualified for the main draw. After taking out the number one seed Ma. Emilia Salerni 6-3 6-3 and nonth seed Agnes Szatmari 6-1 6-0 on route. In the first round Elena fought well to overcome Yan Zi of China in three sets 2-6 6-2 6-4 , however in the next round she was defeated by fifth Virginie Razzano 6-2 6-2. Though this marked the first main draw WTA tour win outside of Britain for Baltacha since the Australian Open in 2005. Despite this Elena then failed to qualify for Bangkok PTT and is now competeting back on the ITF tour in japan for the final few weeks of the 2007 season.
