Baltacha has been moving up the rankings in recent months

Elena Baltacha has targeted a place in the world's top 50 following her impressive start to the season.

The 26-year-old British number one broke into the top 100 for the first time towards the end of last season and has since climbed to 64th in the world.

She returns to the main tour next week at the BNP Paribas Open, Indian Wells.

"I now want to protect what I have, work very hard and drive onwards to that magical top-50 position," said the Suffolk-based Scot.

After qualifying for the main draw of two WTA Tour events in January, Baltacha reached the third round of the Australian Open and then won the biggest title of her career at the Dow Corning Classic in Midland, USA, last month.

I am so excited about her continued development Coach Nino Severino

"The start of the year has just been a dream," said Baltacha.

"I was under so much pressure going into the Australian Open, I knew I had to reach the third round just to hold my position. If I did not achieve that I would have come tumbling out of the top 100."

The Scot's early career was blighted by illness and injuries and she is delighted to have put that behind her.

"When I was a young tennis player, so many people talked about the potential I had," said Baltacha.

"For the very first time in my career, I have the confidence in my tennis to finally believe and accept they were right.

"With a little bit of luck, mountains of hard work, commitment, blood, sweat and tears, I believe I can join, compete and battle with the world's top players."

Baltacha revealed she already has her sights set on an Olympic appearance in London in 2012.

"The prospect of representing my country at the 2012 Olympics is a massive plus for me and gives me a very powerful long-term goal," she said.

Baltacha's coach, Nino Severino, believes there is plenty more to come from the Scot.

"I am so excited about her continued development," he said. "I believe 100% that Bally is nowhere near her potential, mentally, physically or technically."

Anne Keothavong will also be in action in Indian Wells looking to build on her semi-final appearance in Memphis last month as she continues her comeback following a serious knee injury.

After choosing to miss Britain's Davis Cup tie in Lithuania this week, Andy Murray returns to action in the men's draw at the first Masters 1000 event of the season.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version