By Anita Stahl
- Johanna Konta defeats Sofia Kenin 6-1, 6-4
- Faces Elise Mertens [4] in third round
SAN JOSÉ, USA – Johanna Konta beat Sofia Kenin in two sets less than 24 hours after taking down Serena Williams 6-1, 6-0. She faces No. 4 seed Elise Mertens in the third round of the Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic.
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Johanna Konta def. Sofia Kenin 6-1, 6-4
Less than a full day after defeating Serena Williams in the most lopsided match of her career, Johanna Konta returned to the courts to play American Sofia Kenin. Showing the good form and mental fortitude that maintained her through the stunning upset the night before, Konta did not relent and stayed focused on her game.
It was another commanding start from Konta as we are used to seeing, quick off the blocks against an unknown opponent, she controlled the exchanges in the first set, swiftly jumping out to a 3-0 lead. Kenin managed to get herself on the board, but Konta quelled any signs of resistance with another break and wrapped up the set on her first set point.
It was a lot more competitive from Kenin in the second set but a decisive break to love was enough for Konta to edge ahead, keeping that advantage to the end of the match.
While the Williams match was still on the fan’s minds, Konta had quickly moved past it.
“I think I put to bed yesterday’s result and also the things I did well and things I wanted to do better and I just approached today as a separate challenge because it was. I just played the challenge of the day and the opponent that I had and really just tried to do the best that I can.”
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Johanna Konta vs Elise Mertens [4] H2H: Konta leads 1-0
Konta and Elise Mertens have only met on one occasion previously. At the 2018 Miami Open, Konta defeated Mertens 6-2, 6-1. Since then, Mertens has steadily climbed in the rankings, something Konta has noticed but will not shy away from.
“I’m looking forward to playing one of the most in-form players of the year and really just do my best against that.”
Currently ranked No. 48, but having peaked at No. 4, Konta has experience standing strong against top opponents and knows how to advance confidently through a tournament, but she is keeping her expectations measured and refuses to get ahead of herself.
“Every tournament I go into I want to be there till the very end. Obviously, being two matches in I’m giving myself that chance to keep going further. That’s where I’m at. I’m grateful, I’m looking forward to having another match here. I’ll be working very hard in that match to give myself another opportunity after that.”
Prediction: Konta in two sets
Konta and Mertens will play their quarter-final on Friday.
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