Top seed Johanna Konta strolled into the semifinals at the Elite Trophy in Zhuhai after brushing aside Caroline Garcia 6-2, 6-2, in under an hour.
Aiming to end her season with a second title after Stanford, the Brit experienced little difficulty against her French opponent. Winning 85% of her service points and converting four out of five break point opportunities, Konta’s only hiccup occurred at the closing stages of both sets. In the opening set, she fended off a breakpoint before converting her second set point. Then at the end of the match a duo of unsuccessful hawk-eye challenges allowed Garcia to work her way to another break point. Despite the opportunity being there for the world No.23, Konta Swiftly bounced back and closed out the match thanks to an error from her opponent.
“I really felt that I played a consistent match, I didn’t give her many windows.” Said Konta during her on court interview. “I’m very happy that I was able to do that today because against her (Garcia) because she has such a big game as well. I really need to apply myself at every point.”
In the last four Konta will play Elina Svitolina, who has produced wins over Kiki Bertens and Elena Vesnina earlier this week in the group stages. Heading into the upcoming match as the favourite, Konta is aware that she still has a long way to go to win the title.
“Right now it is just one more match tomorrow. I’m not thinking any further than that. I’m going to have a very tough one and I’m looking to compete the best I can.” She said.
Joining Konta and Svitolina in the last four will be Petra Kvitova. The two-time Wimbledon champion fended off six break points to defeat compatriot Barbora Strycova 6-1, 6-4. Kvitova hit 7 aces and won 83% of her first serves to seal the victory and top the Peony Group.
In the last four Kvitova will play China’s Zhang Shuai, who secured her place on Thursday. It will be the third meeting between the two players on the tour and their first since the 2014 Rome Open. The head-to-head is currently tied at 1-1.
