jo relishes crucial fed cup clash
Jo Konta is relishing the challenge of facing Japan’s rising star Naomi Osaka in today’s crucial Fed Cup clash in Miki.
Konta brought Great Britain back into the tie with a straightsets victory over Kurumi Nara to level it at 1-1 after Heather Watson had lost the opening rubber to Osaka.
The British No. 1 holds a 3-0 lead over Osaka in previous meetings, but is expecting a difficult encounter.
“I haven’t played her in almost exactly a year and I’m looking forward to being on court with her again,” said Konta of facing Osaka after her win over Nara.
“I’m really looking forward to playing against such an in-form player,” added Konta.
Of her victory over Nara, Konta added: “I think through the whole match she did an incredible job to rise to the occasion. She used the energy of the crowd. She made it very hard for me.
“I knew I was going to have to earn my way to come through a winner today.”
GB team captain Anne Keothavong was full of praise for Konta’s performance.
She said: “Jo’s just put in a fantastic performance. Her opponent was able to raise her level but Jo was just too good.”
Osaka made short work of Watson with a 6-2 6-3 victory to make it five wins from as many Fed Cup matches for the Japanese No. 1.
Osaka broke Watson twice in the opening set and was again too strong in the second as the British No. 2’s poor form this season continued.
In today’s reverse singles Watson will face Nara, and there will be a doubles match featuring Anna Smith and Gabi Taylor, if necessary.