Elena Baltacha delighted with ‘revenge’ victory in New York

British No1 Elena Baltacha stormed into the second round of the US Open with an imposing straight sets victory over Croatia’s Petra Martic.

The 27-year-old was beaten by the 88th-ranked Martic in the first round of Wimbledon earlier this year but the Brit was able to exact revenge for a painful defeat as she powered through to round two in New York.

Baltacha, who is currently ranked 57th in the world, admitted her loss to the 19-year-old Croat at SW19 had taken some getting over but now insists she is now focused on putting a run together at Flushing Meadows as she looks to break into the top 50 for the first time in her career.

“I really wanted revenge and it feels really good now,” Baltacha said. “I knew it could have been a potential banana skin. I knew I would have to take charge, take control from the first point and dictate and that’s how I like to play anyway.

“Obviously losing to her at Wimbledon was very difficult to take because I was two points away from the match. I took that loss quite hard and there were a lot of things to get over after that match, but it was one of those things that was either going to make me or break me.

“I always try to think things happen for a reason, however hurtful, and after Wimbledon really tested me mentally and emotionally. There were a couple of demons there and after today I think I’ve flicked the demons off my shoulder.

“I think I learned a lot of things from that match at Wimbledon and it helped a lot today. I knew it was going to be one of those interesting matches but I knew that if I stayed very professional and focused hard to try and deliver my best tennis then I knew that I could win.

She added: “I did that today. That was the difference, big time. I really did believe in myself and not at any stage in the match did I let up. I stayed really positive and I just kept putting her under pressure. I played very well.”

Standing between Baltacha and a place in the third round is 27th seed Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic.

“Her form hasn’t been unbelievable since Wimbledon but she’s young and very, very dangerous,” Baltacha said.

“It’s going to be one of those where I’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain and playing the way I did today has given me so much confidence.”