Sunday People

British ace sets the Aussie Open alight Watch out Serena, Jo is coming to get you

TENNIS KONTA CRUISES PAST WOZNIACKI

- By Neil McLeman

JO KONTA’S new coach has claimed she can beat anyone Down Under as the British No.1 remains on collision course to meet Serena Williams in the quarterfin­als.

The World No. 9 was simply superb in demolishin­g Caroline Wozniacki 6-3 6-1 in the third round of the Australian Open.

She now meets No. 30 seed Ekaterina Makarova tomorrow in a rematch of their fourth-round clash from last year... with American superstar Williams looming in the last eight.

Winning

Konta only started working with coach Wim Fissette last month.

But last year’s semi-finalist here has now won eight matches in a row without dropping a set – including winning the Sydney Internatio­nal.

And the Belgian, who coached Kim Clijsters to two US O Opens andd theh 2011 A Aussiei Open, is already convinced he is coaching another Grand Slam winner.

Fissette said: “Jo is full of confidence and I do feel when she’s playing well that she can beat everyone.

“I do believe that – and there will be a day when she can win a Grand Slam.

“I don’t say when. But when I got a call ll fromf h her agent, IbI believedli d already that there will be a day that she can win a Grand Slam, especially with her attitude, trying to get better every day. “I absolutely believe she belongs at the top, she has everything to be there. “And I’m 100 per cent sure she has yet to hit her peak. “She’s at a very high level now, but there’s a lot of room for improvemen­t – in every aspect of her game.” British No.1 Konta said: “I definitely played at a very high level today. Against Caroline you have to win it, she doesn’t give it to you.” Konta was too tired to cry with joy when she beat Russian Makarova 8-6 in the final set last year. “I remember that was a high-level match from both of us,” she added. “I am ready for a battle.” Wozniacki said: “She played well. “I think if Johanna keeps playing like this, then she has good chances against Serena. “Obviously Serena is a champion and has won so many Grand Slams. She’s been in tough positions. But I think Johanna is playing on a very high level right now.”

 ??  ?? RELIEF: Rafa Nadal after beating Zverev
RELIEF: Rafa Nadal after beating Zverev
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 ??  ?? ROARING SUCCESS Jo Konta wins with a yell and Serena Williams (left) lies in wait
ROARING SUCCESS Jo Konta wins with a yell and Serena Williams (left) lies in wait

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