Ivanovic into third round as Baltacha fails to match former no.1′s play

Two days after revealing that she needs surgery on at least one of her ankles and could quit professional tennis after London 2012, British no. 1 Elena Baltacha lost a well-fought match to Serbia’s Ana Ivanovic, 6-4, 7-6 (7-5).

With her ankle heavily strapped up, Baltacha was left battling to save the first set after 11th seed Ivanovic broke her serve at 4-4, eventually losing it 6-4. The second set proved rather more tense but Baltacha missed two crucial break points at 3-3. She saved three match points at 6-5, prompting the crowd to wildly cheer as the match went to a second set tie break.

Despite fighting to the very end, facing off four match points, Baltacha couldn’t quite get past the former no. 1’s stronger play. So Baltacha exits the women’s singles event (possibly her last on the hallowed ground of the All England Lawn Tennis Club) and Ivanovic books herself a place in the third round.

Tags 2012 London Olypics Ana Ivanovic Elena Baltacha