2005 Jan 21 - Baltacha humbled by Farina Elia

Elena Baltacha's superb run in the Austrailian Open ended in the third round with a 6-1 6-0 masterclass by the 14th seed Italian Silvia Farina Elia.

After the match Elena said:

"I got my arse kicked and that's the only way I am going to improve.

"I knew it was going to be really tough but I didn't know how well she was going to play.

"Whatever I threw at her she got. The games were tight but she was just too good - but that is the level I want to get to."

Had the British star defeated the Italian it is likely she would have faced the reigning Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova. However, the defeat to Silvia is still bitter-sweet as Elena will enjoy one of the biggest pay days of her career (£18,800) and also see her break into the World's top 130 players.