CAN JO GO ALL THE WAY?
Inspired Konta into last four at French
Jo Konta surged into the semi-finals of the French open yesterday — leaving watching legends lost for words at the quality of her play.
the British no 1 crushed 2017 US open champion Sloane Stephens 6-1, 6-4 with arguably the best performance of her life and now plays fast-rising 19-year-old Czech Marketa Vondrousova for a place in the final.
american great Chris Evert — whose 18 Grand Slam wins include seven at the French open — watched the demolition of compatriot Stephens, in which Konta dropped only one point on serve in the second set.
‘I am speechless and not many matches make me speechless,’ admitted Evert, who is working for Eurosport tV. ‘the way Konta played that match, I take my hat off to her. I have never seen her play that kind of tennis. She would’ve beaten anybody the way she played. one point
dropped on serve in that second set — not even Serena did that. ‘The thing I am most impressed with is the mentality, the mental toughness. ‘There was always this stigma around Konta, get her in an annoying situation and it’s hard for her to close matches out, but she wasn’t like that in this one.’ Konta is not given to overstatement but said: ‘It’s definitely one of my best performances. I’ve always said that whenever I step out on to the court, I’m always going to have a chance. I’m always going to have a shot. I don’t think any player on tour can go on court against me and feel like they’ve definitely got it. ‘I thought I played well behind my serve more than anything and kept a good variety in there, which I think made it difficult for Sloane to find her rhythm.’ Vondrousova, the world No 38, defeated in-form Croatian Petra Martic 7-6, 7-5. Should Konta reach Saturday’s final, ITV will move the coverage from ITV4 on to its main channel. The broadcaster had been due to show racing from Haydock and Newmarket on ITV on Saturday afternoon, but the tennis will force a re-jig if Konta triumphs again tomorrow.