Australian Open
Women's Second Round latest:
E Baltacha (GB) v * A MAURESMO (Fr) 20
5-2
* denotes server
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By Chris Bevan
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Baltacha 5-2 Mauresmo
Baltacha is in a spot of bother at 30-all but with Mauresmo trying to get to the net, a big backhand gets her out of trouble. We still get to deuce but the Brit pulls out another big backhand and rounds off the game with a drive volley - which is my favourite way to finish off a point. Not every time, obviously...
Oh, and Gonzo has been pulled back to 4-4 by the way. Forget what I said earlier...
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Blimey. A double fault by Mauresmo hands Baltacha a second break on a plate. The French star is known for her fragile mindset when under pressure. She can't be wilting already though, (surely?) but, whatever the reason, it is the Brit who is on top at the moment.
Over on the Margaret Court Arena, 13th seed Fernando Gonzalez made a whirlwind start against Argentina's Guillermo Canas and raced into a 3-0 lead. Gonzo is 4-2 up at the moment so it doesn't look like he will be throwing his trainers in the bin at the end of that one. Early days of course though...
Baltacha 3-2 Mauresmo
A bit of a battle to hold serve again for Elena but she manages it - she's putting an awful lot into this match, but at the moment she is getting her rewards.
"Chris, I know Andy Murray's happy about having a night match but I'll be in an exam by then! Baltacha is going to have to keep me going through the cramming session!
Vicky in Hampshire via text on 81111
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A great response from Baltacha sees her earn three break points of her own with some pulsating tennis. The first two come and go thanks to a fine Mauresmo backhand and a wild Baltacha forehand - but at the third time of asking she produces a wicked forehand return and we are all square again folks.
"There are two very different approaches on display here - Elena is all fire and brimstone and very aggressive. Amelie is very calm and considered."
BBC Sport's Sam Smith
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Ah, not so good that. Mauresmo uses all her experience to bring a series of errors out of Baltacha, who suddenly faces three break points at 0-40. A big serve saves the first one but she sends a backhand into the tramlines on the next point and Mauresmo has an early break.
"Come on Elena!! Awake before driving to luton to go and watch Gloucester in Biarritz. Whats more likely, Elena winning or Glos getting through? I'll go with Elena!"
John, Gloucester via text on 81111
Don't worry John, you could still be right.
Baltacha 1-1 Mauresmo
Baltacha is still looking confident, trying a drop-shot that doesn't quite come off but finishing off the point with a solid volley. Mauresmo still holds comfortably enough but this is a promising start for our girl.
"I'm not in work tomorrow Chris, and the girlfriend isn't here. Give me all the tennis you've got!"
Sean, Chester via text on 81111
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A good start by Baltacha, who is not showing any nerves out on Court Two. It's not exactly full to be honest though. The Brit throws in a double-fault but that is her only blip in an otherwise, er, faultless opening game. Worth a Brit-Up graphic, surely?
0009: So has Baltacha got a chance against the 2006 champion? The London-based Scot is aged 25 and ranked 134. Mauresmo is 29, and a former World number one. She is a bit of a fading force these days and without a Tour title for the best part of two years, plus a lot of recent injury problems too.
0005: Baltacha and Mauresmo are on court and warming up.
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2358: We've also got the bulging biceps (covered by sleeves this year of course) of men's world number one Rafael Nadal on display in the second match on the Rod Laver Arena. Rafa plays Croatia's Roko Karanusic for a place in round three.
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And the good news is that you will be able to watch Baltacha live on the red button and this website (again, UK users only I'm afraid).
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That match will be live on BBC2, this website (for UK users only) and 5 Live Sports Extra - so not only shouldn't you miss it, you probably wouldn't be able to even if you wanted to.
2345: Evening tennis fans, I hope you're not thinking about going to bed? How could you even contemplate it with some truly mouth-watering matches in store for us in the next few hours...
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