A classic show as Konta has first title

JOHANNA KONTA ensured she took in every second of one of the best moments of her life as she secured her first WTA Tour title.

“It’s an incredibly humbling experience,” said British No1 Konta after beating Venus Williams 7-5, 5-7, 6-2 to win the Bank of the West Classic in California.

“I wanted to leave it all out there, but also absorb everything that I could possibly reinvest in my career.

“It’s a validation of all the hard work you’ve put in and a motivator on the things you want to keep improving on, and the lengths you might go to in order to become that much better at your discipline.

“Venus Williams doesn’t need an introduction, and I knew that I’d need to stay focused on myself and to be grateful for the experience and try to learn from her within the match.”

Konta was the first British woman to win this event since Sue Barker in 1977 and she has risen four places to No14 in the world.

She had looked to be coasting to victory when leading by a set and 4-1 in the second, but Williams won six of the next seven games to level it at one set all.

However, the 25-year-old regained her composure and after securing a double break in the deciding set she did not make the same mistake again. Williams, having saved two match points, hit a return into the net to hand Konta victory after two hours and 18 minutes.

Konta’s service game was key to the win and she was regularly sending down serves in excess of 100mph and hit 12 aces to just three from Williams.

Konta, who also beat Williams at the Australian Open, said: “Every single point was a battle, and I tried to win as many battles as possible.”

Wimbledon semi-finalist Williams admitted that she was not at her best but said it was tough to keep up with Konta. “Credit to her for playing great tennis,” said Williams. “She played at such a high level.”