Wimbledon 2017: Jo Konta battles past Donna Vekic in epic encounter to reach third round

ByDan Quarrell

Updated 05/07/2017 at 20:25 GMT

Jo Konta survived an epic tussle with Donna Vekic to secure her progress through to the third round at Wimbledon, eventually winning 7-6(4) 4-6 10-8.

After three hours and 10 minutes, Konta finally broke through to break and seal victory in dramatic fashion with Vekic left in tears by the defeat.

The first set indicated what was to follow with nothing between the two players. Konta won a tense tie-break, taking it for the loss of four points to take an early advantage.

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But it was much harder going for the sixth seed in the second set as Vekic broke serve in the fifth game to assume control.

The Croat served out for the second set to set up a decider on Centre Court, and there was nothing between the two players as it moved past 6-6.

There was a scary moment for the Brit when she took a nasty tumble on the baseline, slipping as she returned serve, but fortunately she was able to shake off the knock.

Finally the third-set break of serve arrived with Konta 9-8 up and Vekic was left distraught by the breathless defeat.

Britain's Jo Konta celebrates at Wimbledon

Image credit: Getty Images

"I'm here with the intention of being part of the event for the full two weeks, but as you have just seen every player gives it their all, there's no easy match," Konta told BBC Sport.

"The crowd were incredible, the amount of respect they showed opponent as well. The arena is one of the best in the world."

It is the first time that Konta has reached the third round of Wimbledon and she will next face world number 101 Maria Sakkari.

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