In a match that thrilled and enthralled, Johanna Konta has beaten, Svetlana Kuznetsova in the third round to make it into the quarterfinals. Beating a two time grand slam winner, after coming back from a set-down, is indeed an achievement.
In a match where the tide of balance kept on shifting, it was finally the Briton who pulled through by winning the match, 3-6, 7-5, and 7-5. Playing a four time Grand Slam finalist was never going to be easy, but as the match progressed, a steely determination enveloped the Briton. After coming back to draw level the set, Konta went on the offensive.
Towards the end of the third set, it seemed that Konta had run out of steam as she was unable to close out the game. Russian Kuznetsova who has been in such situations before instead let the match turn in the favour of the Briton by giving away two match points. That lapse in concentration seemed to turn the tide as Konta held her nerves over the four deuce points, before another unforced error ensured Konta’s progress to the quarter finals.
At times, it seemed the occasion had got to her and the much more experienced Kuznetsova seemed a surer bet. But as the match progressed, Konta seemed to grow in confidence. Ultimately, it was the manner in which Kotana held her nerve which helped her get over the line.
Continuing a remarkable year in which she has already won her first WTA title and reached her first Grand Slam final, she will hope to carry on her form on to the net rounds as well
25 year old Konta will next face either second seed Angelique Kerber or Australia’s Sam Stosur. The British number one will be looking for her first shot at Olympic glory this year.
