SAM SMITH ON KONTA

FORMER BRITISH No.1 “SHE is No.6 seed so she is a contender. She has a good game for grass. I think there are still some improvements to be made in the volleying technique. Mentally she seems very together.

“So it is exciting to have a British player who can genuinely win Wimbledon. I can’t believe it. It is wonderful. It has been 30 years. Jo Durie was the last genuine female British contender.

“The win in Miami has changed everything. But in terms of expectation, I think we should remember that hardcourt is her best surface. I feel she has got an even better chance at the US Open but you have seen this year that in women’s tennis that anything can happen. “And while Serena is away, the rest should make hay because this

is a wonderful opportunity.”