French Open champion Francesca Schiavone, the world number eight, suffered a shock second round defeat to Britain’s Elena Baltacha at the Istanbul WTA tournament on Thursday.
Baltacha, the world number 59, broke serve in the first game of the match on her way to a 6-4 6-2 win over the top seed.
“I’m really proud. It’s my third top 10 win and I’ve had such a great year,” said Baltacha.
“I’d like to think this is the real Elena Baltacha. I’m beginning to perform much more consistently, and I’m improving a lot. I still have a few things to work on but I feel every week I’m adding a lot of positives.”
Baltacha’s first top 10 wins came this year - beating Li Na at Indian Wells and Eastbourne.
She was the first British woman to beat a top 10 player in over a decade.
“In the three weeks off after Wimbledon, one of the things I worked on with my coach was trying to expose my opponent then run around and finish with a forehand,” said Baltacha, her country’s only top 100 player.
“It’s really paying off. I’m confident I can hit a big forehand when the situation comes up. I’m delighted with how I’m playing.”
Schiavone, who is now 1-3 since winning her first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros, was gracious in defeat to Baltacha in the pair’s first meeting.
“She served very well and played well at the most important moments,” the 30-year-old Italian said.
“I didn’t play so well so I’m a little bit upset, but it can happen.”
Baltacha will face German sixth seed Andrea Petkovic for a place in the semifinals.
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