Baltacha beat Lucie Hradecka in the Dow Corning Classic in Michigan

Elena Baltacha has reached her highest-ever world ranking of 64 after a succession of victories in the USA.

The 26-year-old has played 24 matches in the last six weeks, winning the Dow Corning Classic in February.

The Ukrainian-born player also made the third round of the Australian Open for just the second time in January.

Baltacha told BBC Radio Suffolk: "Breaking into the top 100 at the end of last year has given me confidence to press forward."

She added: "Playing through November when most players took a break has helped."

Baltacha also acknowledged that the planning of her programme by coach Nino Severino, who she trains with in Ipswich, had helped her performances.

"I still experience problems with my back which caused me to think of retirement eighteen months ago, but I try to put this to the back of my mind and I feel fit," she said.

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