Elena Baltacha upbeat despite Safina thrashing

 BRITISH number one Elena Baltacha admitted she didn't do herself justice in her third-round defeat to world number two Dinara Safina but insists there are plenty of positives to take from her Australian Open campaign.

POSITIVE-THINKING: Elena Baltacha remains upbeat despite her crushing defeat at the hands of world number two Dinara Safina (Getty Images)

Having defeated the 30th seed, Kateryna Bondarenko, in straight sets in the second round, Baltacha, ranked 81 places below Safina, arrived at the Rod Laver Arena on the crest of a wave.

But she was bulldozed by the 2009 finalist and lasted just 57 minutes before crashing to a 6-1, 6-2 defeat ensuring her quest to progress beyond the third round of a grand slam goes on.

But while she was the first to admit she was outclassed by Safina, Baltacha believes there are plenty of reasons for optimism for the rest of the season.

"It was difficult ,but it was a great experience for me to play the world number two and all credit to Safina. I think she played really well today," said the Ukrainian-Scot.

"It was difficult because I don't play against the top ten every week. I knew for me to get anywhere near her, I'd have to play very, very well.

"And she put a lot of pressure on me out there today, especially on my serve.

"I think overall it's disappointing because I would have liked to have played much better. I think I did under‑perform. I didn't show the quality of my tennis that I know that I can play.

"But I've got to look in a very positive way. I put myself into a great situation. I've made the third round this week. I earned my place on Rod Laver today to play Safina, so I'm really proud of that."

Meanwhile, Safina gave herself seven out of ten and believes there is plenty more to come as she bids to go one better than last year, when she was ripped to shreds in the final by Serena Williams.

"I think it was very solid match for me. I played well and I'm pretty satisfied with everything I did," added Safina.

"It was about seven out of ten. I think it was better than medium, so it was seven. I realise that the score looks like it was comfortable but there were moments in some games where I could have done better.

"But this match was good for me. It's important to play well and get comfortable in the court."