Konta marches through in style

JO KONTA evoked memories of her run to the semi-finals here two years ago with a confident and composed second-round performance that secured her a spot in the last 32.

JO KONTA evoked memories of her run to the semi-finals here two years ago with a confident and composed second-round performance that secured her spot in the last 32. Once again the British No 1 went unbroken on serve in a victory against world No 38 Katerina Siniakova that was described by Annabel Croft as ‘almost faultless’. Tomorrow, the 27-year-old will spearhead a three-pronged British attack in the third round, and following this 6-3, 6-4 victory she will justifiably carry the majority of home hopes. Konta’s serving was a particular highlight, with 76 per cent of her first serves going in and 79 per cent of those points going her way. Although she summed up the match as ‘tough’, she gave Siniakova little to work with, dropping just 11 points on serve overall. ‘I definitely felt like I served well today,’ said Konta (right). ‘I felt like I served quite well in my first match, as well. I think on a surface like grass, that can always help. Overall I was just pleased with how I handled my opponent. She’s very tricky.’ Konta’s next opponent, world No 9 Sloane Stephens, was even more efficient than Konta, beating Wang Yafan 6-0, 6-2 in 56 minutes. And though Konta has a pleasing record against the American, having won all three of their matches — which have all been in 2019 — the pair have never played on grass. And Konta warned that she only gave herself an even chance of winning. ‘When I step out on to the court against Sloane it is 50-50, I have just as much chance of winning as I do losing,’ she said. ‘To be honest I really enjoy playing great players and she is one of the best players in the world, so I am really looking forward to playing her again. Hopefully it will be a good match for everyone to enjoy.’