British number one Elena Baltacha lost out to Sam Stosur of Australia, and will not be competing in the semi- finals at AEGON International.
Stosur served 15 aces en route to her 6-7(5) 6-1 6-0 victory at Eastbourne.
Baltacha acknowledged her top 10 opponent had simply played better on the day.
“You don’t make the final at a Grand Slam for no reason and I knew I would have to play very well even to have a chance,” said Baltacha. “She was too good today. She kept mixing it up and I couldn’t see what she was going to do and it got me in trouble.
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“I didn’t serve well and she was taking swings and hitting winners. She played really hot in the second and third sets.”
The British No.1, who is projected to rise to her career-best ranking of No.55 when the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour list is released on Monday, said the AEGON International had set her up beautifully for Wimbledon.
“I couldn’t have asked for better preparation for Wimbledon,” said Baltacha. My ranking is going up and I’m aiming for top 50 now. The Wimbledon draw comes out tomorrow and I’m looking forward to seeing who I get. With the way I’m playing and how I’m feeling, why not? I’m feeling confident.”
Baltacha had become the first British woman to reach the quarter finals at the AEGON International since 1983.
Chloe Hibbert, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
