Konta Pleased Despite Pliskova Defeat
Locker Room
May 20, 2019
Johanna Konta is back!
And that is great news for British tennis fans, with Wimbledon so close.
Konta is running into the kind of form that took her all the way to the Wimbledon semi-final a couple of years back.
And her conqueror there, Venus Williams became her victim in Rome, along with Sloane Stephens.
Both on the same sparkling day at the Italian Open!
A win against Madrid champion Kiki Bertens took Konta to the final and up the world rankings to 26.
She may have lost in straight sets to the impressive Karolina Pliskova in the showpiece, but the buoyant Brit knows the significance of her week in the Italian capital.
‘I’m super-pleased with the way I am progressing in general this year and improving with every match.
‘To make the final here, this is my second biggest final after Miami so this is a big moment for me.’
Next comes the French Open and then Wimbledon will be just around the corner.
Konta won’t be one of the favourites for Roland Garros. But she is starting to play with freedom and confidence.
And now Konta will surely be able to play the first few rounds of the European summer Slams without having to face anyone in the top 32.
That should give her the platform she needs to grow into the important tournaments – and gradually get on a role.
British tennis fans are keen to have someone to cheer well into the second Wimbledon week.
Kyle Edmund’s form has been patchy and Sir Andy Murray may not be fit enough to mount a challenge of his own this year.
So Konta’s timely return to form is just what the doctor ordered.
And her incredible performances for GB in the Fed Cup mean that she has already captured the hearts of the home fans this year.
Konta will be a great attraction come Wimbledon 2019.
And that will undoubtedly add to the excitement of the women’s tournament.
Wimbledon Tickets are available for Centre Court and No.1 Court