Konta takes title blow in her stride
ONCE again, it was the upset without the upset. Another loss to a low-ranked opponent on a big stage and yet Johanna Konta stays focused on the “process.”
Not since October 1981, when Sue Barker was in the twilight of her career, had a British woman won a senior home tennis event.
Yesterday at the Aegon Open final in Nottingham, against the world No70, this country’s greatest success story since Andy Murray had the ideal chance. And blew it. Donna Vekic, best known as Stan Wawrinka’s girlfriend, was allowed to wriggle off the hook of being a set down to beat the world No8 and topranked player here 2-6, 7-6, 7-5. And this less than three weeks since the world No109 Hsieh Su-Wei of Taipei sent Konta out of the French Open in another goodnatured departure.
“All credit to Donna, she was continuously able to raise her level all throughout that match,” said Konta on court afterwards with a generous smile.
“I was not able to stay with her. But I’m very happy I got to play five great matches on the grass. For Donna and I, heading into Wimbledon, we just want to play on the surface as much as possible.”
Of course, she is not the first sports personality to hold court in Nottingham and bang on about the importance of playing on grass. And perhaps rather than being such a level-head, Konta needs a bit more of the ‘Ol’ Big Head’ about her if she is to push her way to the very top. Konta may not be the best in the business, but with a bit of Brian Clough mentality, she could certainly make the top spot. She has the tools, albeit a preponderance to favour one – her booming groundstrokes.
Generally, if that does not work, Konta hits it harder. At least yesterday she had a new drop-shot to add into the mix, although she lacked accuracy at crucial times and Vekic had the power and athleticism to punish her. Ultimately, though, as Clough himself was wont to say: tactics don’t lose games, players lose games.
Far too easily Konta allowed herself to get distracted by close line calls, inviting the umpire to inspect chalk that continually “flew up”, to use the John McEnroe parlance.
Vekic, in contrast knuckled down, finding her top service game. As a teenager she was feted as one to watch before injury took her off course to a degree. But here she began to show her old promise. The giant jeroboam of champagne she was handed along with the Elena Baltacha Trophy was testament to that.
“How am I going to celebrate?” Vekic grinned mischievously. “I’m going to drink this bottle of champagne with my team.
“The last time I won a tournament I wasn’t old enough to be allowed to have any of it.
“It’s pretty amazing. I was just trying to focus on myself and serve as well as I can and be aggressive.
“Wimbledon is my favourite tournament of the year and I am looking forward to it.”