SUFFOLK tennis star Elena Baltacha will face Australian Samantha Stosur in the first round of the French Open, which starts on Sunday.
British number one Baltacha, currently ranked 67, will have to play brilliant tennis to advance –Stosur is ranked sixth in the world, is a former French Open finalist and the reigning US Open champion.
Baltacha said: “It’s not a great draw, let’s be honest, but you can’t always get those.
“I have massive respect for Sam because of what she’s achieved and also how she goes about things but I do believe I have a chance against her.
“It will be a big match on a showcourt and I usually play well in those situations and I’ll always fight for every ball.
“It’s going to take one hell of a match from me but I’ve beaten top players before and I know what I’m capable of. I’m looking forward to it.”
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