Konta wants to inspire in the manner of Murray

Johanna Konta believes she and Andy Murray can form a dream team to inspire a new generation of British tennis stars.

Murray will retain his place at the top of the world rankings on Monday despite his loss to Sam Querrey at Wimbledon, while Konta will climb at least to fifth.

It will be the first time since 1975, when women joined the men in having a rankings system, that a British man and woman have sat in the top five concurrently.

Konta will even rise from number seven to four if Garbine Muguruza wins the title today, after she reached the semi-finals for the first time.

“I think it can only be a positive thing at home,” Konta said.

“But I’d like to think that Andy has inspired both girls and boys to play. I’d like to think that I’m doing the same, both girls and boys.

“But I’m definitely happy that there’s more attention and more, I guess, good feelings towards tennis and being involved in this great sport.

“I will only ever try to do that in a positive way.”

The 26-year-old said her performances at Wimbledon have only strengthened her belief she is ready to win a grand slam title.

“It definitely helps my case, I think,” Konta said. “I’m very happy with how I was physically and mentally able to hold up this past grass court season. I did play every week.

“I think that only strengthens my belief that if I’m ever in a position to be involved in a slam for the full fortnight, that I will be able to keep myself in that mental and physical state to be able to deal with hopefully one day playing for a title.”