DONNA: I’M NOTT AFRAID OF KONTA
DONNA VEKIC claimed that she can beat Jo Konta after surprising even herself with her victory over the British No.1 in Nottingham.
The Croatian, 21, won her first WTA title in three years with the shock final win over the world No.7 last month. Vekic (with the trophy alongside runner-up Konta, below) is at a career-high world No.57 after struggling for a couple of seasons.
“Before that final, I didn’t think I had any chance,” said Vekic.
“But that gave me a lot of confidence for the rest of the year and obviously for our next match, and now I actually believe that I can beat her. I am really excited for it.
“She is definitely the favourite. Maybe I will have a chance in that she will feel more pressure than me, especially on Centre Court. I don’t have much to lose.
“If I serve well I have a chance and if I want to beat her I must play my best tennis.” Vekic was coached by Brit David Felgate, is based in Monte Carlo and goes out with Stan Wawrinka – but has a British accent after spending so much time here.
“I have known Jo for years,” she added. “I am not going to say we are best friends, but we are friendly and she is a very nice girl.
“She asked me to hit the week before Wimbledon and I said, ‘I have to go back to Paris’. I was training here when I was younger so it definitely feels like a second home.
“And my second country. I have a bit of a British accent – it comes back after a few weeks here. I think the crowd here is fair, so I expect some support, and if I play well maybe I will get a few
claps.”