Now that top seeded Elena Bovina (Russia) has pulled out and the third seed Olga Barabanschikova (Belarus) are out of the way in the top half of the draw, things look bright especially for a talented hard hitting Greek player.

The absence of the two top rated players does mean that the quality of tennis is going to be any less better for the standard dished out by Eleni who steamed past Olga on Tuesday afternoon, and the fifth seed Nadejda ostrovskaya (Belarus), who should by the time this piece is finished run past Seda Noorlander (netherlands), has been good.

Back in action after going through surgery and a severe knee problem Eleni is desparate to get back to full time action after being one of the most promising names on the ITF junior circuit where she entered the last eight and semis stages of the Grand Slams on a regular basis before graduating into the senior ranks.

"I had beaten Olga in a Fed Cup match some time back. Today (Tuesday) she was not in very good touch," Eleni, a qualifier here, said of her first round encounter on Tuesday.

Eleni comes from a sports loving family back in Thessaloniki, Greece and is coached by Kampakoglon Joannis.

"If I keep doing well here my coach will fly down again. He was here with me till Sunday but had to fly back for an important assignment," Eleni said while speaking to the local Press.

The knee injury in a $25,000 event in England still leaves bad memories for her. "I have been so handicapped in my movements ever since and I decided to stop playing for some time to do strengthening work for over 3-4 months last year and early this year," the friendly Greek lady added.

"Now I have overcome that and have more physical advantages like being able to play harder from the baseline. My game is improving and I hope to keep at this rate."