KONTA’S REAL FORCE OF NATURE

JOHANNA KONTA reached her first semi-final since Wimbledon last year with a 6-4 6-2 victory over Slovenia’s Dalila Jakupovic at the Nature Valley Open in Nottingham.

The British No.1 has hit form on grass after a disappointing season up to now – and proved too steady for an erratic opponent.

Next up for Konta (left) is Croatian Donna Vekic, who beat her in the final 12 months ago.

She said: “The most important thing is that I’m competing well and fighting for every single point.

“I’m definitely enjoying getting more matches under my belt.”

Following their clash here 12 months ago, Konta and Vekic met in the second round of Wimbledon, with the British player coming through 10-8 in the decider.

British No.4 Katie Boulter found top seed Ashleigh Barty too savvy, the Aussie winning 6-0 6-2.

In the men’s event, Dan Evans reached the last four with a 7-6 6-3 victory over Canadian qualifier Brayden Schnur – but James Ward fell 6-4 6-3 to Ilya Ivashka.