Sweet revenge by Venus
Ousts reigning Miami champ Konta to book her place in quarters
Miami,
March 27: 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 number one Konta — it was the 37year-old American who showed no signs of fatigue to power home 57, 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 longevity.
Williams also had to work hard in a threehour 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 faced more breakpoints in the third although this time the danger was averted, thanks to some powerful serves.
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.
Indeed, Konta’s game 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.
Meanwhile, Other winners included American Danielle Collins defeating Monica Puig of Puerto Rico 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 and Jelena Ostapenko topping Petra Kvitova 76 (4), 6-3.
Seeds Tumble
Sloane Stephens powered past world number three Garbine Muguruza as the seeds continued to fall at the Miami Open.
Stephens dominated Spain’s reigning Wimbledon champion Muguruza to record a straight sets 6-3 6-4 win and advance to the quarterfinals.