Konta upsets Venus for first career title

STANFORD, CALIF.— Hard-hitting Johanna Konta whipped winners every which way and outslugged top-seeded Venus Williams to capture her first career singles title at Bank of the West Classic — 7-5, 5-7, 6-2. Her serve and return games equally solid, Konta held on in the third set after squandering a 4-1lead in the second. When Williams netted her forehand return on the third match point, Konta dropped her racquet and covered her face. The No. 3-seeded Konta figured out Williams’ big100-m.p.h. serve for the second time this year. The 25year-old Konta also stunned Williams with the straight-set victory in the first round of the Australian Open.