Johanna Konta beat two-time champion Petra Kvitova 4-6 6-2 6-4 to progress to her second Wimbledon quarter-final in three years.
The Brit, 28, is in superb form. She has won 16 of her last 19 matches and must be feeling confident about her chances of reaching another semi-final when she faces Barbora Strycova next.
“I was expecting to go to five-all at some point,” Konta said in her post-match interview. “But I was really happy that I was able to keep sticking with what I knew I was doing well and to come through in the end.”
She continued, “I’m really pleased to be getting through in tough matches against the best players in the world. There’s not much more you can ask for as a professional tennis player.”
Kvitova played brilliantly in the first set. She dominated on serve and hit 18 winners. Despite this high level of performance, the score was level after eight games because Konta also served very well.
Eventually, however, the Czech’s quality shone through and she won the last two games of the set to take it 6-4.
In the second set, Kvitova’s level dropped sharply. She did not serve as well and she made 11 unforced errors to allow the Brit back into the match.
To Konta’s credit, she also raised her game. She continued to serve well, and she hit 10 winners in the set compared to just five unforced errors.
The combination of the Czech’s fall and the Brit’s rise led to a comfortable second set scoreline of 6-2 to the World No.18.
Konta holds off late charge from Kvitova
Kvitova’s play was a bit sloppy in the third game of the decider. She allowed Konta to draw level at deuce with an error and a double-fault, and then could only watch as the Brit hit a classy backhand winner and then a powerful forehand to seize a break.
Konta saved a break point in game four as she held to establish a 3-1 lead. At this stage, Kvitova was clearly feeling the pressure. She made an unforced error at 30-30 and The Brit secured a double-break advantage by drilling a backhand return down the line which the Czech found too hot to handle.
The World No.18 seemed a little nervous initially in game six. She made a couple of errors and found herself facing two break points. But the Brit composed herself to win four points in a row and move 5-1 ahead.
Kvitova had nothing to lose when Konta was serving for the match at 5-2. She went for every shot and forced the Brit to make several errors. The 2017 Wimbledon finalist saved three break points, but she could not save a fourth.
“Petra started playing incredibly free and hitting through the ball in that 5-2 game,” Konta said. “The balls were coming at me at 100 miles an hour. I’m just pleased I was able to see it for what it was and give credit to her.”
Buoyed by the break, the Czech stormed through her next service game to reduce the deficit to 5-4. But the Brit steadied herself and served really well to hold for an excellent win.
