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Page last updated at 15:05 GMT, Thursday, 27 May 2010 16:05 UK

Elena Baltacha eyes strong grass season

Elena Baltacha
Baltacha has pulled out of two clay events because of back trouble

British number one Elena Baltacha hopes to exhibit a more aggressive grass court style this season.

The 26-year-old crashed out of the French Open in the first round but has set her sights on a successful summer.

She told BBC Radio Suffolk: "I've worked on a lot of areas of my game like coming forward and picking more balls out of the air.

"I've found that really does suit the grass because you're not going to get many rallies."

After losing in straight sets to Poland's Agnieszka Radwanska on the clay in Paris, Baltacha pulled out of the doubles tournament because of a back injury.

"I think the reason it's been spasming is making that transition from the hard court to the clay court," she said.

"You're sliding around a lot and you tighten up your legs and I think it's been pulling at my back.

"But I don't think I'm going to have any problems on the grass."

Baltacha has enjoyed a resurgence in recent months, rising to number 62 in the world, and has set her sights on breaking into the top 50.

Her next outing will be on the grass at the AEGON Trophy in Nottingham on 31 May, ahead of Wimbledon which begins on 21 June.

This year is the first time Baltacha has had direct acceptance to the main draw at the All England Club and she is looking to take advantage.

She said: "I feel very excited that it's that time of the year again, plus being at home is very special.

"Obviously if you get Venus or Serena Williams in the first round then you're pretty limited.

"But hopefully I'll get a kind draw and everything will come together, and why not?

"I've had a great year, I've been playing consistently and I've had a great opportunity to play the top players."



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see also
Baltacha withdraws from doubles
26 May 10 |  Tennis
Baltacha makes early French exit
24 May 10 |  Tennis
Baltacha targets top 50 ranking
05 Mar 10 |  Tennis


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