Johanna Konta marked a career milestone at the Aegon Open in Nottingham today after her victory over compatriot Tara Moore saw her chalk up her 300th career singles win.
The world number eight was not aware of this achievement being on the horizon but naturally was delighted. She said: “It’s a nice surprise, but obviously not under the best of circumstances, more of a celebration of all the other victories I’ve had along the way and the flowers are beautiful!”
Looking back on the 300 wins, the British number one struggled for an answer in terms of her career highlights, “I don’t remember the first win and I can’t remember like 90% of them!
“I guess most recently a big highlight of mine was playing in Rio representing Great Britain at the Olympics and more specifically my long match there against Kuznetsova”, she said. “That was definitely an enjoyable battle to be a part of!”
Konta’s landmark win was rather overshadowed by the unfortunate circumstances during which it came about following Moore being forced to retire due to a left foot injury. At the time the top seed was in control leading 6-2, 3-0 but was naturally disappointed and concerned for her British compatriot, captured by their warm embrace at the net. Konta said: “I haven’t seen her since the match, I’m assuming she’s gone to get treatment, but I’m hoping that she’s ok and it’s not so bad.”
Reflecting on her own performance the world number eight was generally pleased and felt that she got better as the match went on. “I felt that the things that I had in my control I did well and took it point by point”, she said. “We had quite a few long games, especially on her serve, so I felt that I stayed competitive there and tried to accumulate as many points as possible and enjoyed my first match out there on the grass.”
The Brit advances to face Yanina Wickmayer in the next round, an opponent she lost to in their last meeting. “I played her on the grass at Birmingham and she beat me there. She’s a very powerful, dangerous player. I’m looking to prepare the best I can over the next couple of days to be ready for it.”
It is a busy period over the summer for Konta as she competes here at Nottingham before playing in Birmingham, Eastbourne and Wimbledon, but she is not fazed by the packed schedule and enjoys the home support. “Obviously it’s my home events and I want to maximise my time at home and I do enjoy playing on the grass. I’m taking it one match at a time, one event at a time and we’ll see how it goes!”
