• Sony Ericcson Open

Baltacha beaten by Wickmayer

ESPN staff
March 25, 2010
Elena Baltacha was knocked out in the second round by Yanina Wickmayer © Getty Images
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Elena Baltacha's fine run in the Sony Ericsson Open came to an end as she was outclassed by Belgian Yanina Wickmayer.

The Brit came through qualifying in fine style and was impressive in beating Iveta Benesova in the first round.

Wickmayer was a step up in class for Baltacha and she was unable to cope with the Belgian's aggressive play. Wickmayer secured an early break and it enabled her to steamroll through the opening set.

Baltacha's hopes of securing a foothold in the second set were dashed as Wickmayer broke immediately and hard though the Brit tried, she struggled to make an impact.

A further break of serve in game five handed Wickmayer a cushion, but to Baltacha's credit she broke back immediately. However, she was unable to claim a second break of serve and the No. 12 seed wrapped up a 6-1 6-3 win in an hour and 16 minutes.

Baltacha was happy with her performance, as she felt she held her own against Wickmayer.

"She played unbelievable but the positive thing was I felt I stayed toe to toe with her through the match," Baltacha wrote on her Twitter profile. "[I'm] climbing the rankings. Onwards and upwards."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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