World No 2 blocks path to a semi-final
Who is Simona Halep?
A 25-year-old Romanian who will rise to no 1 in the world rankings if she beats Konta today. She is a twotime Grand Slam runner-up, at the French open in 2014 and last month.
Does she have history with Konta?
oh yes. The british no 1 was left in tears in April’s Fed Cup tie against Romania. Playing Halep’s team-mate Sorana Cirstea, Konta was reduced to tears by the partisan atmosphere in Constanta. As play was suspended by the umpire, Romania captain ilie nastase charged on to the court, calling Konta and Gb captain Anne Keothavong ‘bitches’. The next day, Halep (below) thrashed Konta 6-1, 6-3 as Romania won the tie.
What about their head to head?
Halep leads 3-2, but all her wins have come in the Fed Cup. in tour matches, Konta beat her in Wuhan in 2015 and on her way to this year’s title in miami.
Is Halep in good form?
She is having an excellent year, the turning point of which came against Konta in miami. Halep was in control, but Konta stole the second set. Halep summoned coach darren Cahill to the court and a tense exchange ensued. After Konta breezed through the third set, Cahill took a break, feeling Halep wasn’t giving her best. He came back in June and Halep promptly won in madrid.
How does she play?
Halep is a fantastic athlete and wins points by moving her opponent round the court. Her serve is not the strongest and Konta’s firepower may give her the edge.
How has she reached the quarter-finals?
With ease. Halep is yet to drop a set, and impressed in taking apart Victoria Azarenka yesterday.