"Anne is still ranked in the 50s. It’s one of these small patches that Anne’s gone though and I think she will come out stronger."

Wimbledon promises to be a quieter place after former champion Maria Sharapova made a second- round exit for the second successive year while Liverpool International winner Michelle Larcher De Brito was eventually silenced by Italy’s Francesca Schiavone in straight sets. De Brito’s famous ’grunt’ was in full throttle on Court 12 but her tennis failed to reach the same heights and Schiavone triumphed 7-6 (7/2) 7-6 (7/4).

Sharapova lost 6-2 3-6 6- 4 to Argentina’s Gisela Dulko, the world number 45.

Ironically, Baltacha could get the chance to atone for Keothavong’s embarrassment, with Safina her likely third-round opponent if she overcomes Flipkens.

"That would be nice but at the moment I just want to concentrate on tomorrow," said Baltacha.

"Tomorrow is very winnable for me. I’ve played her before twice and beaten her twice.

"But I can’t take her for granted because she has just beaten a seed. I know I have to play good but I’m confident. I played a good lead-up to Wimbledon and I feel really confident."

Baltacha beat the 23-year-old Flipkens in straight sets, both in Jersey in 2005 and in his native Torhout last year, and has extensive experience of Wimbledon, where she famously reached the third round as an 18-year-old.

Yesterday’s success was her ninth at grand slam level and her fifth at the All England Club.

"It’s always special to play here," she said. "I’ve got great memories."