Keothavong and Baltacha reach Aussie Open second round

BRITISH tennis received a welcome boost at the Australian Open with both Elena Baltacha and Anna Keothavong earning first round victories.
By The Newsroom
Published 17th Jan 2011, 11:37 BST
Updated 17th Jan 2011, 11:37 BST

Keothavong reached the second round for the first time after overcoming Russian Arina Rodionova 7-5, 6-4.

Fellow Brit Baltacha came from a set down to beat American Jamie Hampton 3-6,6-4,7-5.

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Keothavong will now play German Andrea Petkovic in the second round and could face Venus Williams if victorious.

Meanwhile, Baltacha faces 11th seed Justin Henin who struggled to a three-set win against India's Sania Mirza.

Despite the daunting task ahead Baltacha remained upbeat: "I think I've got to believe I've got a chance, otherwise there's no point playing.

"The chances are probably slim, but I'm going to go out there and fire, I've got nothing to lose."

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Keothavong was equally pleased. She said: "The conditiions were tough, but it's a great feeling to get through. I had a great off-season and just want to get out there and enjoy it."

Both players will play their second-round ties on Wednesday with Baltacha hoping to pull off a major upset and Keothavong attempting to set up a mouth watering clash with world No 5 Williams.

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