Baltacha has had to battle back from liver damage

Baltacha was born in 1983, the same year that Durie was at her peak, and ironically the former world number five now helps out in the coaching of the current British number one.

But had it not been for the sporting prowess of her father, Baltacha might well have been topping the rankings in the Ukraine.

Her father, professional footballer Sergei Baltacha, came from Dynamo Kiev in 1988 to join first Ipswich and then St Johnstone and brought his family with him.

Having first picked up a racquet at the age of 10, Baltacha soon showed her promise and dominated all the Scottish age groups as a junior.

In 2000, she established herself on a national level, helping Great Britain to victory in the Maureen Connolly Cup.

"Bally" also reached the last 16 at Junior Wimbledon and made it into qualifying for the main singles event.

Elena Baltacha profile Born: 14 August, 1983 Place of birth: Kiev, Ukraine Coach: Alan Jones/Jo Durie Highest ranking: 151 Titles: 2 (ITF)

The right-hander cemented that progress later that year by reaching the semi-finals of the national championships.

In 2001, she made it through to the main draw at Eastbourne before running into eighth seed and former Wimbledon champion Conchita Martinez.

Baltacha's full Wimbledon debut was on the imposing stage of Centre Court, where she was beaten in straight sets by Natalie Dechy.

But her refusal to be overawed was apparent even then, when after losing the first set 6-1, she fought back and was only edged out 7-5 in the second.

She exceeded expectations in the junior event, reaching the semi-finals.

And she also caused a stir by slamming down a serve of 118mph, the third fastest by a woman at Wimbledon that year.

Baltacha is not afraid to show her emotions

Baltacha became a household name in 2002 after reaching the third round at the All England Club, beating the vastly experienced seed Amanda Coetzer along the way.

Her feisty determination and willingness to show how much victory meant were a breath of fresh air and the SW19 spectators took her to their hearts.

Much was expected of her and she continued her progress with two ITF titles over the summer in Felixstowe and Pamplona which took her to an all-time high in the rankings and made her British number one.

However, her rise was hampered by a succession of illnesses, including a mystery liver problem.

But Baltacha has never been afraid of a challenge and after a spell on the sidelines she returned to competition in 2003 more determined than ever to boost her ranking, which has risen year by year.