Indian Wells 2012: Elena Baltacha looks for positives after defeat
Elena Baltacha admits Julia Goerges was too strong after the German's straight sets win but the British No1 remains upbeat
British No1 Elena Baltacha believes she can take many positives from her straight sets defeat by 14th seed Julia Goerges in round two at Indian Wells.
The 28-year-old was unable to cope with her superior German opponent and her run in California came to an end, losing 6-3 6-2 in one hour and eight minutes.
“Goerges played a really solid match, and she’s obviously high in confidence, because she’s just won in Dubai, so she’s flying high, but for me it’s really positive,” said Baltacha.
“I’m beginning to understand a different area of how I can develop my game, and I really did that in the first set. Maybe dropped a little in the second set, but I’m on the right track.”
Baltacha fought back from a set down to beat Aranxta Rus 3-6 6-4 6-3 in the first round, and the world No62 is confident she has made big strides at the tournament over the past week.
“We’re going to stay here until Tuesday to keep working on the game,” said Baltacha.
“The slice is coming on, I’m beginning to use it not just as a way to get me out of trouble. And I need to keep working on the serve.
“I was so one-dimensional that certain players would trip me up, whereas just understanding what I do and how I can be more effective against all the players is the main goal.
“At some point you are going to peak, reach your potential, but now I can see I can do more before I reach that; and that’s an exciting thing to me.
“I think what’s been really frustrating the last three months, was that I know what I’ve got to do, but I think I’ve been thinking about it too much, and it’s just a matter of doing it, repetition work, drilling it, to make it happen in a match without thinking about.”
Meanwhile, Baltacha revealed she will make a decision on whether she will compete in the doubles at the London Olympics closer to the event.
“I don’t play doubles any more, we decided last year because I get injured a lot, so it’s pretty hard work anyway just to keep myself mobile and injury free for singles anyway,” she added.
“But the Olympics, I’m never going to get a shot again. I’m just going to see how I’m feeling, who’s available: I’ll make a decision closer to the time.” 
