Dr. Baltacha

RBBOT · Futures qualifying

Dr. Baltacha

Helen40 · Grand Slam Champion

Very, strange, it doesn't say what it's a doctorate in, or what you could do with it.

steven · Tennis legend

I'm not against Bally getting extra recognition, obviously

but I suspect some of these honorary degrees/doctorates that get awarded are more about obscure centres of learning trying to get publicity on the back of famous names with local links than anything else. She also got an honorary degree from the "University Campus Suffolk" (yes really, that's what this "new kind of institution" calls itself) recently too.

To answer RBBOT's other question, I think she is intending to come back in the spring.

adz1983 · Intermediate Club Player

Just to be clear there is a difference between honorary degrees and normal ones. Honorary degrees have been awarded since the middle ages. They are intended to recognise/reward/thank someone for achievements in their field not necessarily directly linked to the institution. Its a bit like an academic version of the Honours System though significantly less cloak and dagger. Obviously there is a benefit to the institution too who will by association receive some, although often limited coverage.

insomniacfolder · Challenger level

RBBOT wrote:
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/elena-baltacha-nets-doctorate-from-university-1451425
Anyone heard any news on when she's aiming to start playing again?
From todays - yesterdays now I guess, so, from the Ipswich Star, 11th December:
[...] However, time spent on the sidelines saw her take stock and the Fed Cup captain, who believes she can continue competing for another two years or so, is targeting a return at Indian Wells, in California, next March.
'I wanted to come back because I had banked so much experience and felt I needed to finish differently,' admitted Baltacha.
'I have got the hunger back and that is a big help. Otherwise you are stuffed. I am coming back but I don't feel like I have a point to prove or have any pressure on me. I don't need to rush and I can develop tennis-wise.'
Good news, and sooner than I'd expected.

steven · Tennis legend

Another Bally interview, where she confirms that she is aiming for IW and thinks she can play 2-3 more years. http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/20712538

Armchair · County player

Coming back after surgery at this stage in a career is tough, but I can't think of anyone who manages tough better than Bally.
I really look forward to seeing her back on court, and whatever the results I hope she really enjoys herself.

philwrig · Hall of fame

I think she'll do well certainly top 100.

jake270392 · Intermediate Club Player

Any news on when Bally is returning? I know she was planning on returning to Indian Wells but I'm guessing that her Protected Ranking (not sure what it is) wasn't high enough for direct entry. And I cant find her on any future entry lists as well!

blob · All-time great

jake270392 wrote:
Any news on when Bally is returning? I know she was planning on returning to Indian Wells but I'm guessing that her Protected Ranking (not sure what it is) wasn't high enough for direct entry. And I cant find her on any future entry lists as well!

Some indication, from her recent Instagram conversation about her Doctorate:

fento777

@elenabaltacha well done :) when's ur next tournament Bally?

elenabaltacha

Thankyou..Hopefully in April x

jake270392 · Intermediate Club Player

Ok thanks, do you know what her protected ranking will be?

It will also be interesting to see who Judy picks for the fed cup team! Considering the destination (Argentina) two potential tournaments will be missed during the Europe clay court season so Anne and JoKo could turn down the Fed Cup but I doubt it as their ranking atm wont get them in too those tournaments (maybe qualifying) so I will be guessing the same team. And the fact that its the Fed Cup and they are all eager to represent us :)

blob · All-time great

Thorough update:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/9906051/Former-British-No-1-Elena-Baltacha-aims-to-return-to-the-top-spot-and-face-Argentina-in-the-Fed-Cup-play-off.html

I haven't duplicated this to the Fed Cup thread.

philwrig · Hall of fame

Also a video on the BBC sports website, sounds really positive which is great to hear. She really wants that number 1 ranking back as well which bodes well for her future.

Stircrazy · Tennis legend

Further interview in today's Evening Standard.

eblunt · Club Coach

It's nice that she's so positive, and it''ll be good to see her back, but her chances of getting back to British number one are very slim indeed. She'll do well to get anywhere near her CH , which, unless both Hev and Robbo go severely off the rails, won't be anything like enough.