Johanna Konta has boosted her Australian Open chances with a clinical 6-4, 6-2, win over Agnieszka Radwanska in the final of the APIA Sydney International.
It was expected that the British number one would encounter a tough task against Radwanska, who has won 20 WTA titles and is a former Wimbledon finalist. Despite being ranked lower than her rival, Konta was the one who dominated the proceedings from start to finish.
The early stages of the match saw Konta convert her third break point opportunity to open up to a 2-1 lead. Usually Radwanska, who is nicknamed ‘the magician’ for her outrageous shot-making, would find a way to recover the break, but failed to do so. The confident play of the Brit was something that overwhelmed her rival. Hitting an array of winners, Konta dropped just three points in three service games to cruise through the opening set.
Konta’s intensity on the court increased in the second set as Radwanska struggled to find a solution to gain any sort of momentum or rhythm in the match. A double break swiftly elevated the Brit to a set and 4-0 lead. Admirably Radwanska managed to get on the scoreboard in the second set, but it was too little too late. Surging to her first win over the world No.3, Konta sealed the title with an ace out wide.
“I’m really pleased with the amount of matches I’ve been able to play. I take it as a nice reward for all the hard work” Konta #SydneyTennis pic.twitter.com/MiRtCQRy7j
— Apia Intl Sydney (@SydneyTennis) 13 January 2017
Racing to only her second WTA title, the aggressive display from the Brit featured seven aces and 32 winners, overshadowing Radwanska’s tally of four and nine. Konta’s dominant performance wasn’t without problems as she also produced an error count of 32.
Following the match, Radwanska expressed her admiration for the Brit. Since September 2015, the Polish player won all six finals she played in before this week.
“I couldn’t have played any better.” A somewhat stunned Radwanska said.
Cheered on by her family in the crowd, the latest win is a special moment fort Konta, who was born in Sydney before moving to Great Britain.
“I was born here, so there is a very special moment for me.” Konta said during the trophy ceremony.
At next week’s Australian Open Konta will start her campaign against Belgium’s Kirsten Flipkens.
