AUSTRALIAN OPEN2019
JO KONTA crashed out of the Australian Open at 3.12am local time – then blasted it as “dangerous”.
The British No1’s clash with Garbine Muguruza did not begin until 12.30am – the latest in Grand Slam history – because of rain delays and a marathon men’s match.
And a bid to shift the match to Court No3 was called off because the playing surface was covered with seagull droppings.
Konta then lost her match with the double Grand Slam winner 6-4, 6-7, 7-5 in two hours and 42 minutes.
“I don’t agree with athletes having to physically exert themselves in the wee hours of the morning,” said Konta. “I don’t think it is healthy – in fact it is quite dangerous.
“It wasn’t ideal for anyone. I don’t think it’s ideal for anyone to do any physical activity when it’s bedtime but it is what it is and both of us were in the same boat.”
Alexander Zverev, the fourth seed, needed three hours and 46 minutes to finally see off Jeremy Chardy in the preceding match on the Margaret Court Arena.
“Once Zverev and Chardy’s match went to a fifth set, we were actually going to go out to Court No3 to start but there was basically seagull poo everywhere,” said Konta. “They had to clean the court and by the time they would have done that, it would have taken 10-15 minutes.
“However, Garbine and I were both in the same position and, with the circumstances, we really put on a great match and it’s just a shame more people couldn’t enjoy it.”
After dropping her service game, Konta served superbly and matched the former Wimbleon winner right until the end as she showed the form that took her to No4 in the world.
But nearly a week after Andy Murray announced his retirement in tears here, Konta cried as she left the court as Britain’s eighth and final singles player was out before the third round.
The world No37 has now won only three Grand Slam matches since reaching the 2017 Wimbledon semifinals and no British