Elena Baltacha is now the highest-ranked female British tennis player, it was confirmed today (November 30th).

The 26-year-old has moved up to number 85 in the world in the latest WTA rankings list after reaching the quarter-finals of an ITF tournament in Japan last week.

She surpassed previous incumbent Katie O'Brien, who is now in 89th spot, while Anne Keothavong has dropped to 99 as her recovery from a long-term knee injury continues.

Baltacha expressed her delight at regaining the accolade for the first time since 2005, when she enjoyed an impressive run to the third round of the Australian Open.

"I value the British number one spot so much more this time because we're all much better than we were. There's a lot more value in it now," she told BBC Sport.

Baltacha has been dogged by injury throughout her tennis career but has enjoyed a strong 2009 campaign, picking up ITF titles in Changwon and Shrewsbury.

In the latter, she defeated O'Brien 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 in the final to move into the world's top 100 for the first time.