‘I CAN COME BACK & WIN’

FROM BACK PAGE singles champion on home turf. Konta said: “The way I’ve played definitely helps my case to win here. I’m very happy with how I was physically and mentally able to hold up this past grass-court season.

“I think that only strengthens my belief that if I’m ever in a position to be involved in a Slam for the full fortnight, I’ll be able to keep myself in that mental and physical state to be able to deal with, hopefully, one day playing for a title.

“I don’t think I did too much wrong out there. She was just, quite frankly, better than me today.”

Konta competed in a tight first set before Williams ran away with the match to win 6-4 6-2 in 73 minutes.

Wade (above) said: “Next year she could make it or make it to the final. Maybe 41 years will be her number.”

Williams, who at 37 will be the oldest women’s singles champion since 1908 if she beats Garbine Muguruza tomorrow, said: “She played an amazing tournament.”