Elena Baltacha v Andrea Petkovic Istanbul Cup Tennis

Baltacha downs Schiavone to reach WTA quarter finals

Britain’s Tennis star Elena Baltacha produced a fine display to oust number one seed Francesca Schiavone from the Istanbul Cup. Schiavone, the 2010 French Open winner, was a firm price to win through to the quarter finals, but as suggested here, Baltacha had what was needed to bring her down. This was another major scalp for Elena Baltacha, as her impressive season on the WTA continues, and warms the hearts of British Tennis fans. Baltacha struggled more in her first round match against a wildcard entrant than she did against Schiavone, stunning the Italian in a 6-4 6-2 victory to move ahead in the touranment. The match only lasted one hour and 25 minutes, as the Brit firmly got a grip on the game by dominating the Schiavone serve. Baltacha now moves ahead to her third quarter final place for the 2010 season on the WTA Tour, where she faces another of the tournament seeds, 6th seed Andrea Petkovic.

Baltacha, who knew she had nothing to lose against the top seed, and played with the trademark guts and commitment that is synonymous with her. There is still a lot of work to be done, but if Baltacha can beat Petkovic, there is only one other seed left in the tournament, and that is third seed Alisa Kleybanova who is down in the other half of the draw, and so wouldn’t meet until the final. To be honest, a place in the final would be nothing less than Elena Baltacha deserves, as well as a whole heap of credit for what she is doing for the game. Petkovic is a tricky customer and has been in a final this year, losing to Justine Henin in the final in the Netherlands. The two have met once before on the WTA tour, with the German winning. Realistically after her wonderful triumph, there is nothing which Baltacha should be afraid of, and she could press on.

Here is the tale of the tape for the two players to help sway your tennis betting. You should be able to get around 4/1 at BetFair on Baltacha to win the Istanbul Cup.

Progress 1st Round:
Baltacha v Buyukakcay 7-5 7-6(4)
Petkovic v Ozgen 6-2 6-1

Progress 2nd Round:
Baltacha v Schiavone 6-4 6-2
Petkovic v Makarova 7-6(5) 5-7 6-3