Daniela in shape for Thai test

Daniela Hantuchova believes she has overcome the dramatic weight loss that attracted speculation about her health at Wimbledon this year.

The Slovakian is the ninth seed at the US Open in Flushing Meadows and came into the final Grand Slam of the year desperate to prove she was fit and full of confidence.

After defeating second-round opponent Julia Vakulenko, from the Ukraine, 6-0, 7-6 she addressed the concerns that still surround her.

She said: “I think I have got used to all the attention off court but tennis remains the priority for me. I understand that people come to watch because they are interested in what we do off court.”

Faced with questions about her physique, the 20-year-old said: “I have been working really hard for the last couple of months and trying to get my proper shape.

“I am really pleased with the way things have gone.”

Hantuchova now plays Thailand’s Tamarine Tanasugarn.

Top-seed Kim Clijsters hammered Laura Granville 6-1, 6-1, and fifth-seed Amelie Mauresmo beat Stephanie Cohen-Aloro 6-2, 6-2.