AUSTRALIAN OPEN
Johanna Konta is not getting carried away
For the first time in decades Britain has a genuine contender for the Australian Open women’s crown
Melbourne — Johanna Konta did her best to downplay expectations on Sunday, but there was no quieting the chatter around Melbourne Park that, for the first time in decades, Britain has a genuine contender for the Australian Open women’s crown. Having been born and raised until her early teens in Sydney has clearly helped the 25-year-old to a higher profile in a host nation desperate for local success, even by proxy, but there are good reasons the ninth seed is attracting such attention. A surprise run to the semifinals at the 2016 tournament was followed by a season in which Konta won her maiden title at Stanford and moved into the top 10 for the first time, just missing out on a spot at the season-ending WTA Finals. The chatter reached fever pitch last Friday, when Konta demolished world No3 Agnieszka Radwanska in the city of her birth to claim her second tour title. Konta’s huge improvement over the past year has come on the back of intensive work on the mental side of her game, so...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.