The long awaited breakthrough for Ana Konjuh has finally occurred following her impressive 6-4, 6-4, dismissal of fourth seed Agnieszka Radwanska in the fourth round of the US Open.
There has never been any denial of the talent which Ana Konjuh has. Twice a junior grand slam champion, she has already displayed glimmers of her brilliance on the tour, but the 18-year-old has been held back by inexperience, injury and inconsistency. After experiencing a series of setbacks during her young career, Konjuh has finally cracked the main stage following her impressive performance on Monday night.
Claiming 86% of her first service points and firing 26 winners during her triumph over Radwanska, the Croat has shown the world that she truly belongs at the top of the women’s game.
“It’s been an incredible night,” Konjuh said in an on-court interview. “This time I got revenge, so I’m really happy.”
The revenge Konjuh is referring to was her heartbreaking encounter against Radwanska at this year’s Wimbledon Championships. Fighting against the Polish player in a marathon match at SW19, disaster struck in the final set at 7-7 when she stepped on a ball and rolled her ankle as Radwanska went on to seal the match.
Ana Konjuh hurts ankle after stepping on tennis ball. #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/Ql3qGXBEs3
— Jordan Heck (@JordanHeckFF) 30 June 2016
The incident was the latest thing in what had been a frustrating season for the 18-year-old. Prior to the US Open, Konjuh has only won back-to-back main draw matches at two tournaments this year (both WTA 125 events).
“I had a few health issues. I had a problem with my back. Then I sprained my ankle against Aga in Wimbledon. I was out for like two or three months. That’s kind of had an effect on me.” She said about her roller coaster season.
Despite her 2016 woes, Konjuh has earned the respect of her rival Radwanska. Usually a player renowned for her brick wall type defence of the court, the fourth seed admitted that she was simply outplayed by the teenager.
“She was playing pretty good tennis, serving very well. I just couldn’t do any more I guess. I was really trying. I was just too slow today.” Radwanska said.
It seems ironic that Konjuh should reach her maiden grand slam quarter-final after winning just ten main draw matches this year (before the US Open). Awaiting her in the last eight will be world No.11 Karolina Pliskova.
“She’s a great player.” Konjuh respectfully said about Pliskova. “She has had a great season so far. Winning Cincinnati I’m sure she’s full of confidence. She’s a great server”
Regardless of the outcome of her quarter-final encounter, it is hoped that her New York run will inspire her for the rest of the season. There is no denying the Konjuh is a rising star of the game, but there is still apprehension surround her consistency. If she can solve this, expect to see her regularly feature in the second week of the major tournaments for the next few years.
