Elena Baltacha produced another superb Australian Open display today to set up a clash with Amelie Mauresmo and predicted she could be a "nightmare" for the double Grand Slam champion.

The 25-year-old beat world No71 Anna-Lena Groenefeld, from Germany, 6-1, 6-4 to become the only one of Britain's four women in the main draw to survive the opening round.

Baltacha ,who came through qualifying, has never faced Mauresmo but is ready to put the former Wimbledon and Australian Open champion under serious pressure on Thursday.

She said: "It's going to be a great opportunity for me and qualifiers are a nightmare to play really because we have had three matches coming into the main tournament and can be very dangerous.

"I am really looking forward to the match."

Baltacha reached the third round here in 2005 - her best showing at Grand Slam - and having overcome a back injury and serious illness in her career, she is now benefiting from a new fitness regime.

She said: "Physically, I feel great and didn't mind the heat too much and I have worked so hard off the court on my fitness that it has really paid off."

Mauresmo, who overcame Olga Govortsova 6-4, 6-3, admitted to knowing very little about her British opponent.

The Frenchwoman said: "I guess I will just have to focus on what I have to do."