A PAIR OF SMASHERS
Andy and Johanna in historic victories
SIR Andy Murray and Johanna Konta sailed through to Wimbledon’s quarter-finals on Magic Monday yesterday.
It’s the first time a British man and woman have reached the last eight in 44 years.
Sir Andy shook his fist in the air after beating Frenchman Benoit Paire 7-6 6-4 6-4 on Centre Court.
Earlier, Konta fell to the ground and put her head in her hands after winning her own fourth round match against France’s Caroline Garcia 7-6 4-6 6-4.
Roger Taylor and Virginia Wade were the last British man and woman to make it through to the final eight in the same year, in 1973.
Despite Johanna’s stunning victory, her opponent was at the centre of controversy.
Fans were convinced that the Frenchwoman was being coached, which is against the rules at Wimbledon.
Garcia’s coach, her father ® Louis Paul Garcia, made suspicious hand signals to his daughter. TV viewers were convinced the signals were coded coaching tips. Garcia was quick to deny any wrongdoing after the match and Konta was too busy focusing on her own game to spot any dubious conduct. “I didn’t notice,” Konta said. “I’m looking to stay very much focused on myself, what I’m looking to achieve.” Following his victory, a happy Sir Andy said: “I thought I played well today – apart from a couple of sloppy service games in the first set.” Boxers Carl Froch and David Haye watched as the Scot made it to his 10th Wimbledon quarter final in a row. It was a great day for all fans of British tennis, including one fan dressed as Rufus the Hawk, who keeps pigeons away from Centre Court.