Baltacha has been struggling with injury problems for two years

The 22-year-old world number 210 will attempt to remedy her long-term back problem by having surgery on a prolapsed disc on Wednesday.

Baltacha said: "I'm very disappointed that I require surgery, but I'm optimistic I'll make a full recovery."

Baltacha reached the third round of the 2005 Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2002 before her injury problems.

The Ukrainian-born player achieved a career-best world ranking of 118 in March 2005 and her coach Alan Jones is confident she will improve following her recuperation.

"She has a huge amount of potential and I believe as a player, that she is capable of being competitive at the top level," Jones said.

"Bally is still only 22 but her physical age on court is that of a 19 or 20-year-old, so time is definitely on her side."

Following surgery, Baltacha will spend two months in recovery with a further two in rehabilitation.