Konta’s journey

Aussie-born star leading charge of bitter rivals

BORN in Sydney, a product of the Australian tennis system but now very much a British heroine – welcome to Wimbledon semi-finalist Johanna Konta’s world.

Now entrenched in the world’s top 10, Konta formally defected from Australian colours in 2012, having moved to the UK 12 years ago.

Raised on Sydney’s northern beaches, Konta was considered talented but not sufficiently gifted to warrant continued funding by Australian authorities.

Her Hungarian parents, Gabor and Gabriella, then decided to return to Europe to

help further her career. After stints in Spain with support of the British Lawn Tennis Association, Konta eventually severed ties with Australia five years ago.

And with Tuesday’s dogged 6-7 (2-7), 7-6 (7-5), 6-4 win against Simona Halep, Konta is the toast of Britain.

“I’ve dreamt big since I was nine,” she said.

“Well, I’ve dreamt of success in every slam. I think it

(Wimbledon) makes it more special because it is home.

“I do get that home support, which I don’t get anywhere else. In that sense, I guess it makes it sweeter.”

Konta still speaks with a detectable Aussie accent and there is an enduring antipodean link with her sister Eva married to GWS Giants ruckman Shane Mumford.

The first English woman to make the last four since Virginia Wade in 1978, Konta says Australia’s geographical isolation hurt her progress.

The tyranny of distance is one of the reasons why star Australian youngsters Alex de Minaur and Alexei Popyrin are based in Spain.

If Konta downs Venus Williams tonight, she will start favourite against either Garbine Muguruza or Slovakian Magdalena Rybarikova in Saturday’s final.

But she will also be under scrutiny over claims of abusing toilet breaks between sets.

She was off court for more than the allowed four minutes during the Halep match.

“But she does that all the time,” Halep said.