Superb Jo Konta dispatches Ekaterina Makarova, to face Serena in quarters
ByReuters
Updated 23/01/2017 at 06:15 GMT
Johanna Konta advanced to an Australian Open quarter-final showdown with Serena Williams after the ninth seed dismantled Ekaterina Makarova 6-1 6-4 in their fourth-round clash on Monday.
Britain's Johanna Konta celebrates winning her Women's singles fourth round match against Russia's Ekaterina Makarova
Image credit: Reuters
The 25-year-old Konta, Britain's last hope in the singles after Andy Murray and Dan Evans were bundled out on Sunday, took 69 minutes to send the Russian packing in temperatures approaching 35C.
Makarova was no match for Konta's serve or ground game in the first set as she changed angles and depth of returns that prevented the left-hander from getting any rhythm.
Makarova, who beat sixth seed Dominika Cibulkova in the third round, raced to a 4-1 lead in the second set but Konta rallied to win the next five games and sealed victory on her second match point when the Russian's forehand sailed over the baseline.
Konta insisted that she was relishing the opportunity of facing 22-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams in the next round.
"Believe it or not that's an incredible experience for me,” she said after her match.
"She's one of the few players still playing who I watched growing up. As a young girl wanting to be a professional tennis player, it's an incredible honour and I can't wait to play on court with her.
"Once out on court, against anyone, anyone is out there to compete. Hopefully I'll come off as the winner.
"In terms of enjoying the opportunity and the competition, I will cherish every minute out there."
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