Konta downs Zhang to book Australian Open semi spot

Melbourne - Johanna Konta becomes the first British woman to advance the last four of a Grand Slam event since 1984.

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By Reuters

Published: Wed 27 Jan 2016, 7:09 AM

Last updated: Wed 27 Jan 2016, 10:46 AM

Johanna Konta ground down Chinese qualifier Zhang Shuai 6-4 6-1 at the Australian Open on Wednesday to become the first British woman to reach the semi-finals of a grand slam in over 30 years.
The 47th-ranked Konta battled nerves and a wayward serve at times but overpowered the 133rd-ranked Zhang from the baseline to wrap up the match in one hour and 23 minutes on a warm, sunny afternoon at Rod Laver Arena.
After trading service breaks at the start of the second set, Konta roared to a 5-1 lead before sealing the win on the third match point with a lucky net cord that gave Zhang no chance.
The last British woman to reach the semis of a grand slam was Jo Durie at the 1983 U.S. Open. Konta will seek to continue her fairytale run when she takes on German seventh seed Angelique Kerber for a place in the final.
 
 

Reuters

Published: Wed 27 Jan 2016, 7:09 AM

Last updated: Wed 27 Jan 2016, 10:46 AM

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