Tennis News  

Baltacha progress earns award

Scottish number one Elena Baltacha has been named player of the month by British Tennis.

The 24-year-old from Paisley has risen up the world rankings to 142 this week after a series of successes which included a tournament win in Torhout, Belgium in April.

Baltacha recently split with long-time coaches Joe Durie and Alan Jones and seems to be making good progress working with a new team that includes footwork specialist Nino Severino.

"Bally is one of the most professional and driven players that I have seen on the courts at the National Tennis Centre and much credit must go to her support team of Nino Severino, Ben Haining, Nigel Sears and Sophie Scott," said Carl Maes, Head of Women’s Tennis.

"I am really positive about Bally’s chances of further success and reaching the goal of a top 100 ranking."

After a long injury lay-off that saw her drop to 347 in the world, Baltacha has continued a steady climb back up the rankings and will be aiming to qualify for the French Open later this month.