Baltacha's cheers & tears

14 April 2012

Elena Baltacha ensured Wimbledon got off to a wet start long before the heavens opened yesterday. The former British No1 burst into tears following Tuesday's first-round victory over Marta Marrero, so one can only imagine her reaction if she meets former Australian and French Open winner Jennifer Capriati in the second round and wins again.

Given Baltacha's travails over the last two years her emotional outburst was understandable. The 20-year-old's career has been decimated by illness and injury since she stormed into the third round two years ago. Two bouts of tonsillitis and a liver problem sapped her strength, and she was forced to take six months out of the game at the end of last year.

Baltacha did win a match in qualifying at Eastbourne last week but was clearly overwhelmed that her first victory back on the main tour came at Wimbledon.

She said: "My coach says I'm a walking miracle. These last two years have been a nightmare but I'm just so, so happy to be back. In the six months I realised how much I actually love tennis. I see things in a completely different way now.

"I've had a tough year and the tears were because I'm actually back. I'm calling it my second chance and want to make the most of it.

"My God, I was so overwhelmed to be playing again. I'm very grateful for my wildcard and my biggest goal is to get here on merit."

If Baltacha can sustain the strength and power that she produced in beating Marrero, then regular appearances at Wimbledon should not be beyond her.

Her liver condition is still taking its toll, necessitating twice-yearly check-ups and a few days' rest every third tournament, but her serve-and-volley game remains perfectly suited to grass.

Capriati must get past Claudine Schaul before she can take on Baltacha. After making her Wimbledon debut on Centre Court against Natalie Dechy three years ago, the Briton is relishing another day in the limelight.

She said: "I'm hoping for a big court and to get back on Centre would be nice. If it's Jennifer it'll be a big court, I'm hoping. I can't wait, I mean she's such a great player.

"I really admire her and I'm really looking forward to it. There's no pressure whatsoever on me, it's all on her. I'm just going to go out there and give it a go, you know, just love it and enjoy it and battle. That's all I can do."

While Baltacha's emotions always appear close to the surface, Jane O'Donoghue, one of four British women in the second round, expresses herself in more aggressive ways. After dropping her serve in Tuesday's deciding set against American Lindsay Lee-Waters the British No2' s racquet seemed to become a swashbuckling sword, swishing around with venomous intent, and she admits to a darker side.

O'Donoghue said: "I'm a bit of a feisty player but I think that's the way the British public like it and we're all doing well. There's a great atmosphere in the changing room for a change and with British girls coming in every day winning matches, foreigners are actually taking note."

O'Donoghue will play Spaniard Magui Serna in the second round tomorrow if the rain abates and believes there is more to come from the young British contingent.

She added: "We love playing here but it's not the only tournament of the year. We are on the road 25 weeks of the year and only get the attention for two weeks. Don't think you've seen the best from any of us - Tim Henman is playing his best tennis at 29. There's a lot more to come yet and hopefully you'll have something to shout about in the future."

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