British No.1 Johanna Konta has her eyes firmly set on more silverware after winning her biggest title to date at the Miami Open on Saturday.
The 25-year-old became the first player from her country to win the Mimi title after downing Caroline Wozniacki 6-4, 6-3, in a nerve-stricken final. Despite dropping her serve three times in the match, Konta managed to fight back with the help of a carefully constructed game plan. Hitting balls deep into the court and exposing the fragility in Wozniacki’s forehand, she sealed the title after 96 minutes of play.
“It’s all kind of sinking in, I guess. Right now i’m quite busy doing everything, so a little bit going through the motions.” She said during the immediate aftermath of her win.
Konta’s triumph isn’t just a personal one, it is also one for British tennis. A British woman hasn’t won such a significant event since Virginia Wade’s 1977 triumph at the Wimbledon Championships 40 years ago. Unlike Wade, Konta obtained British citizenship at a teenager after moving from Australia.
“I’m British. That’s home. That’s where my ties are. That’s where my family is. That’s where I bought my first place. Yeah, that’s where I’ve spent my formative years. That’s where I grew into who I am.” She explained.
Konta’s 2017 season so far
Shenzhen – semifinals
Sydney – champion
Australian Open – quarter-finals
Indian Wells – third round
Fed Cup – win-loss record of 4-1 (including doubles)
Miami – Champion
Set to rise to seventh in the world when Monday’s rankings are updated, Konta is eyeing further glory on the tour. Unlike some of her rivals, her rise to the top has been steady and gradual. Entering the top-100 in 2015, the Brit finally cracked the top-10 14 months later, following a series of successful results on the tour.
“Everybody’s journey is different,” Konta told Brad Gilbert. “I needed a little bit more time and a few more experiences to accumulate the knowledge I have. Now I think I play smarter tennis and calmer tennis and that just took time. On paper, it looks like a quick turnaround, but it’s definitely been a lot of years, a long time coming.”
Now with the experience, a grand slam title is in her sight. Konta’s best result in a major occurred last year at the Australian Open when she reached the semifinals. The run made her the first British woman since 1983 to do so. The dream isn’t an impossible accomplishment. Since 2016 she has recorded eight wins over top-10 players on the tour.
“I think I’ve always had the belief of wanting to become a Grand Slam champion, wanting to become the best in the world.” She said.
“Without that, I don’t think it makes it as –the victories as sweet and I think also the defeats as motivating.”
The focus of Konta switches to the green clay courts in Charleston next week, where she will be the second seed. She will be hoping to continue working towards her career goal of ‘maximising her full ability.’
