FAB Konta wants to show Britain that there’s more to tennis than Wimbledon fortnight

JOHANNA KONTA is desperate to help Andy Murray keep Britain talking about tennis all year round.

Konta’s rise up the world rankings has gone largely under the radar with her best moments enjoyed abroad – at the Australian and US Opens.

But her epic win against Donna Vekic on Wednesday – only her third SW19 victory – has alerted home fans to her huge talent.

Now she wants the nation to realise there is much more to the tennis season than Wimbledon fortnight.

“What Andy has done for our sport and the awareness he has brought over the years has helped and I’m just hoping I can add to that,” she said. “I’m hoping to be able to promote the sport and increase awareness of it in any way.

“I think Wimbledon does that, given the magnificent sporting event that it is.

“I feel very fortunate to be a part of it and I’d just love to be a part of it for the whole fortnight.” World No.7 Konta, playing in round three at Wimbledon for the first time, faces Maria Sakkari of Greece today.

The world No.101 is being coached at Wimbledon by Andy Murray’s former mentor Mark Petchey, who may be forgiven for having split loyalties.

Petchey (above) said: “When I worked with Silvija Talaja and Tina Pisnik back in ’99 and 2000, I can’t remember if they played any British players so this might be the first time it has happened.

“Jo’s results in the last couple of years have been spectacularly good and she is a prohibitive favourite going into it. So Maria will really have her work cut out.”

British No.2 Heather Watson is also in third-round action today – she faces former world No.1 Victoria Azarenka, winner of two Australian Open titles. The 27-year-old gave birth to son Leo in December.

Watson got to the semis at Eastbourne last week and has already equalled her best at Wimbledon.

“I feel so good about my game and I feel so hungry,” said the 25-year-old.

“I am not content with where I am right now. Winning this match could help me a lot in the rankings.

“I dropped outside the top 100 for a little while and really want to get back to the form I had a few years ago. It doesn’t matter who I play against – I just want to get to that next round.”