Venus ousts Miami champ to reach quarters

SEVEN-TIME grand slam winner Venus Williams exacted revenge on reigning Miami Open champion Johanna Konta on Monday with a superlative display to book her place in the quarterfinals.

In a repeat of last year’s semifinal – which was won by the British No1 Konta – it was the 37-yearold American who showed no signs of f at i gue t o power home 5-7, 6-1, 6-2 in two hours and 19 minutes.

The three- time Key Biscayne champion now faces either Monica Puig or American Danielle Collins. It was an impressive display by the veteran Williams who seemed puzzled when quizzed about her lo longevity. “I don’t don’ see what 37 years old has to do with it,” said Williams. “She could couldn’t get a rhythm to her game which h helped me but e everyone I play makes it tough against me so there are no easy matches.” Williams also had to work hard in a three-hour battle on Sunday for her passage into the fourth round, fighting off three match points before eventually seeing off Kiki Bertens.

It was the Briton who started the more assuredly on Monday. Konta broke the Williams straight away to set down an early marker in their first meeting since the semifinals at Wimbledon last summer which resulted in home heartbreak for the 26-year-old.

Williams (pictured, AFP) faced more breakpoints in the third although this time the danger was averted, thanks to some powerful serves.

“You have to fight for every point,” she said. “Everyone is so good now. I feel very focused.”

Just when the erratic Konta needed to put her foot on the accelerator, it was William who responded superbly to put her opponent firmly on the backfoot.

I n d e e d , K o n t a ’ s g a me seemed to totally desert her. She hit just one winner in the second set as the American began to dominate and send the encounter into a decider which began with Konta receiving lengthy treatment for a back problem.

Konta, who has now slipped from No14 to No22 in the world, said of Williams: “You always have to appreciate players who fight through matches like she does, especially considering how long she’s been playing.”

Williams will be joined in the quarters by compatriot Sloane Stephens who powered past world No3 Garbine Muguruza.

Earlier on Monday, Czech fifth seed Karolina Pliskova booked her place in the last eight after opponent Zarina Diyas retired in the second set.

Pliskova was leading 6-2, 2-1 when the Kazakh player withdrew through injury. Elsewhere, former world No1 Victoria Azarenka saw off Agnieszka Radwanska 6-2 6-2.