By Piers Newbery

Baltacha is battling back after a six month lay-off

Elena Baltacha refuses to set herself targets going into Wimbledon and is simply happy to be back on her favourite grass courts.

The former British number one returned to action in January after a six month lay-off because of a liver disorder.

"When you're 18 and the doctor's telling you you've got liver damage, it's not easy," she told BBC Sport.

"I'm just so grateful that I'm back playing, and during that six months I also realised how much I love tennis."

Baltacha first entered the national consciousness when she beat Amanda Coetzer on her way to the third round at Wimbledon in 2002.

But later that year the Scot was told she had a mystery liver problem and, by last summer, it was decided the best course of action was a complete break.

Baltacha takes a break

"I'm feeling much better now," she said. "I'm really happy I was able to take those six months.

"It has to be said that without French Connection and the LTA, and their financial support, I would not have been able to do that.

"I took the six months to reprogramme myself and get fitter, faster, and I feel much better than I did."

We get the media attention every year for the four weeks but it's nothing that I really want Elena Baltacha

The time off has seen Baltacha slip to 343 in the world and down from number one to fourth in the British rankings.

But there have been encouraging signs, such as the victory over world number 60 Tamarine Tanasugarn in Eastbourne on the eve of Wimbledon.

"I've played well in the last couple of matches and I'm going to take that confidence into next week," she said.

"I'm not really putting any pressure on myself, I'm just so thrilled to be back and I'm just going to take what it brings and enjoy it."

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With happy memories of SW19 it is no surprise that Baltacha is keen to get back, but that is not because she seeks a return to the spotlight.

"I don't really seek media attention, I just love being on the grass," she said. "It really suits my game.

"As for the media attention, we get it every year for the four weeks but it's nothing that I really want.