Konta warming up in style ahead of first grand slam event

JOHANNA KONTA succeeded where other seeds in her half of the draw failed as she reached the quarter-finals of the Apia International in Sydney.

Konta came on court immediately after world No 1 Angelique Kerber’s defeat to Daria Kasatkina, while Dominika Cibulkova and Svetlana Kuznetsova, seeded third and fifth, respectively, had also crashed out earlier.

That left Konta as the only seed in the top half of the draw and it was not an opportunity the Briton wasted as she battled to a 6-1 6-3 victory over Russian-born Australian Daria Gavrilova in 81 minutes.

The 25-year-old did not look back after breaking in the opening game and dropped only four points on serve in a first set she dominated.

Konta quickly established herself in the second set and while the plucky Gavrilova staved off four match points on serve in the eighth game, the British No 1 saved a break point and sealed the win at the sixth attempt.

“I knew going into the match it was going to be an incredibly tough one, she’s one of the best fighters on tour,” said Konta.

The sixth seed continues her preparations for next week’s first grand slam, the Australian Open, with a last-eight meeting against Kerber’s conqueror Kasatkina, the Russian ranked 16 places below Konta at 26 in the world.

“It’s such a strong tournament, such depth, I know going into every single match that it’s going to be a tough one and I’m just going to have to, first and foremost, take care of things my end,” added Konta.

British qualifier Brydan Klein moved through to the second round of the ASB Classic in Auckland by beating Argentina’s Facundo Bagnis.

Australian-born Klein, ranked 324 in the world, looked to be on his way out as he trailed 5-2 in the third set after giving up four match points in the second, but hit back for a 6-1 6-7 (6/8) 7-6 (7/3) victory against the world No 55.

Fifth seed Albert Ramos-Vinolas was beaten 6-1 7-5 by Joao Sousa, while Yen-Hsun Lu of Taiwan battled back from a set down to triumph 4-6 7-6 (7/5) 7-6 (11/9) against Russian youngster Karen Khachanov.

Eighth seed Marcos Baghdatis eased to a 6-4 6-4 victory over Adrian Mannarino, J eremy Chardy beat home favourite Artem Sitak 6-4 6-2 and American qualifier Ryan Harrison enjoyed a 6-1 6-2 success over Spaniard Guillermo Garcia-Lopez.

Australian teenager Alex De Minaur earned his maiden ATP tour win with a 6-3 3-6 7-6 (7/1) victory over Benoit Paire at the Apia International in Sydney.

Seventh seed Martin Klizan retired hurt in his first round match against Andrey Kuznetsov.