Elena Baltacha’s feeling fantastic after setting up third-round clash with Dinara Safina

Elena Baltacha used her bubbling confidence to claim the biggest scalp of her career today and set up a third-round clash with world No2 Dinara Safina.

Britain's leading woman beat No30 seed Kateryna Bondarenko 6-2, 7-5 in searing heat to prove she is now a paid-up member of the top 100 club and said: "I feel fantastic."

That feeling wasn't shared by British No2 Katie O'Brien as she made 42 unforced errors in her 6-2, 6-2 defeat to eighth seed Jelena Jankovic.

It means Baltacha is the last Brit in the women's draw as she reached the third round of a Grand Slam for a third time having achieved that mark here five years ago and at Wimbledon in 2002.

By coincidence, Baltacha's best previous win was against Bondarenko's sister, Alona, who was ranked 33 at Wimbledon last year.

The world No83 said: "On paper, Kateryna was the better player but deep down I knew I could beat her.

"I have come in with good form, I am hitting the ball much better and my tennis has improved quite a few gears. I knew that I could just go out there and swing freely and take my game to her. I didn't want to take any chances and so I hydrated very well last night, taking extra electrolytes on board. I probably drank two to three litres and so I knew my body would be really fresh to start."

Baltacha was far from flawless today, almost giving away the second set before rediscovering the heavy ground strokes and determination that helped her dominate the opening exchanges and also saw her benefit from three net cords early on.

It was during this "lucky" period that Baltacha started to believe the tennis Gods were on her side and an upset was going to happen. She said: "The main thing that has changed with me is that I don't look back any more. I am fed up with doing that — I just want to look forward.

"Obviously, there's a lot more to improve on my tennis, but mentally I think I'm getting there now."
Baltacha has never played Safina, who became world No1 last year despite having failed to win a Grand Slam tournament.

The Russian had an injury-hit end to last season and is easing herself back into form. She made the third round courtesy of a 6-3, 6-4 win over Barbora Zahlavova Strycova, of the Czech Republic. "I know Safina is a good player but she has had her blips recently and I am just going to go for it," she said.

"I'm very excited about the match and I have a day off tomorrow, to recharge and then get going again."

Safina is not a natural mover on court although her shot-making power when she does get within range of the ball is impressive.

The Russian said: "Elena is a good player and has won two matches. She has nothing to lose."

O'Brien, meanwhile, was in the second round of a major for just the second time in her career but she was broken in her opening service game against Jankovic today and never recovered.

The games then went with serve until 5-2 when after seven deuces O'Brien (right) was broken again to concede the set.

In the fourth game of the second set a double fault from O'Brien handed Jankovic a break to love and the Serb did not relinquish the advantage to win in one hour and 14 minutes.

Former champion Justine Henin continued her amazing comeback, after ending a 19-month self-imposed retirement, by defeating fifth seed Elena Dementieva 7-5, 7-6.