Johanna Konta has become the first British woman to reach the last four of a Grand Slam since 1983 after beating China’s Zhang Shuai 6-4, 6-1.
The world No.43 set up a showdown with Zhang after battling past Ekaterina Makarova in the fourth round, winning the final set 8-6. Meanwhile, Zhang overcame an injury-plagued Madison Keys to win 3-6, 6-3, 6-3.
Both players were playing in their first Grand Slam quarterfinal as Konta started the strongest out of the two by breaking Zhang in the third game to lead 2-1. The British No.1 extended the lead further when she broke for a second time to extend her stronghold to 5-3. Konta did experience difficulty towards the end of the set as nerves started to hinder her as well as a competitive Zhang. The Brit has three set points to take the opening set 6-3, however, she was unable to covert her trio of chances as Zhang retrieved one of the breaks. Konta finally sealed the set at 5-4, when she fired an ace down the center of the court for force an error from her opponent.
Following a tentative start to the second set with an exchange of breaks of service, Konta dominated proceedings with the help of 12 winners against a tiring Zhang. The Brit broke Zhang four consecutive times to seal the win after an hour and 24 minutes. Konta clinched the match after a forehand shot painted the top of the net before falling on Zhang’s side.
In her quarterfinal triumph Konta produced seven aces, 28 winners and 22 unforced errors. The biggest difference between the two players in the match was their service percentage. Konta won 79% of her first service points compared to her opponent’s 44%.
Konta is the first British woman to reach the last four of a Grand Slam tournament since Jo Durie at the 1983 US Open. Speaking about her historic achievement in Melbourne, Konta said that she was ‘living her dream’.
“I’m just so happy that I’m enjoying what I’m doing” Konta said.
“That is me living my dream.”
“When I was a little girl, I dreamt of winning grand slams and being number one in the world,” she added. “That dream stays the same, I think, as long as you’re doing the career that you’re on.”
In the last four Konta will play Angelique Kerber for the first time in her career. Kerber defeated two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka in her quarterfinal match.
‘It will be my first match against Angelique, she’s top-10, she’s an incredibly decorated and successful competitor and player. I’m really just hoping to go out there and bring to the court what I can, try my best and see how it goes.’ The 24-year-old said about her upcoming match.
The achievements of the 24-year-old have elevated her into the limelight of the British media. In the last four she will be bidding to become the first British woman to reach a Grand Slam final since Virginia Wade at the 1977 Wimbledon Championships. Speaking about her sudden surge in popularity, Konta has pledged to remain level-headed.
“The UK is a number of thousands of miles away and a completely different time zone, which in this case it might be quite nice,” Konta said.
“I think whatever pressure or whatever buzz there is outside, I mean, it only affects me as much as I let it.”
Due to her sensational run at the Australian Open, Konta is expected to enter the top 30 in next week’s rankings for the first time in her career.
