The stock of Britain’s Johanna Konta has risen dramatically over the last year, but now can the British Number One secure the biggest win of her career. After upsetting Caroline Wozniacki in the third round and then easily seeing off Ekaterina Makarova in the fourth round of the Australian Open, Konta now heads to the quarter finals where legend Serena Williams awaits her.
This will be Konta’s first ever challenge against the great American and this will be a test like no other. Konta has gone up against quite a few Grand Slam champions and former World Number Ones as well, but no-one matching the record of Serena Williams in the game. Konta does hold a 2-1 head to head record against Venus Williams, including beater her in last year’s Australian Open, but she steps into something new on Wednesday.
At last year’s Australian Open, Konta reached the semi finals, the deepest she has ever gone in a Grand Slam. After having already picked up a WTA Tour title this year, Konta received some heavy backing heading to Melbourne, but the draw was always going to be tough for her to get through, her section not coming out favourably for her. But she has made progress and on Wednesday will play the biggest game of her life.
There are two sides to this for Konta. She has never faced Williams before, so that is something that could throw Williams off her game a bit. Konta is playing some astounding stuff at the moment, flowing with confidence and has a strong game play full of commitment. But will the inexperienced head of being in such a high profile match against such a legend on one of the biggest stages get into her head? Some opponents are beaten by Williams as soon as she walks on to the court.
This is a huge moment for World Number Nine Konta who is now 4/1 joint second favourite at Paddy Power to walk away with the title. She is heavy underdog and therefore has nothing to lose going into this one. Konta is powerful player in attack and she is incredibly tough to get back at once she has gone ahead. If Williams gets off to a slow start in the match, Konta could make a huge impression but she goes as 13/8 underdog against Williams’ favouritism of 1/2.
Johanna Konta v Serena Williams Australian Open Odds
Serena Williams 1/2, Jo Konta 13/8
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