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Johanna Konta - 2017 Roland Garros (c) Jimmie48 Tennis Photography

Konta sets up clash with Wickmayer, Moore and Watson bow out in Nottingham

Ros Satar
Tennis

 

By Ros Satar

  • Johanna Konta [1] def. Tara Moore [WC] 6-2 3-0 RET
  • Sets up clash against doubles partner Yanina Wickmayer
  • H2H: Konta leads 2-1
  • Heather Watson bows out to Alison Riske
NOTTINGHAM, UK – It probably was not the ideal way to collect her 300th win but British No. 1 and top seed Johanna Konta advanced as compatriot Tara Moore retired in their first round match.

 

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Johanna Konta [1] def. Tara Moore [WC] 6-2 3-0 RET

It has been a while since Johanna Konta has graced a court, after her early exit from the French Open. But the additional practice time obviously helped as she battled to her first break over Tara Moore and had her compatriot under more pressure in Moore’s next service game. Konta broke once more for a decisive lead in the first set, before wrapping up the first set.

The end came quickly as Konta broke twice more after another lengthy game before Moore had to retire with a foot injury.

After the match, Konta said: “We had quite a few close games especially on her serve, but overall I felt I got better and better as the match went on. I didn’t realise [it was my 300th win] so it was actually quite a surprise. Obviously it wasn’t under the best of circumstances but it’s a celebration of all the other victories along the way.

“I’m very lucky to get to play a home series in the lead-up to a home slam – not many players get to do that. I am very fortunate that I get to come out here, as I will in Birmingham and in Eastbourne. I do enjoy this period of the season. It’s the only chance I get to maximise my time at home.”

 

Konta v Yanina Wickmayer: H2H – Konta leads 2-1

Quite apart from teaming up with the Belgian for doubles, she will now face her partner Yanina Wickmayer when they play their second round, scheduled for Wednesday. What we should see is two powerful and athletic attackers doing their thing on a surface that should suit them well.

Wickmayer has flat penetrating and attacking groundstrokes but she might be a little vulnerable on her backhand side, as her forehand is her strongest side. Konta has developed a lot more variation to her game, and with crowd support ought to come through this well, but it is worth knowing that she lost to the Belgian in Birmingham last year.

Experience and form have propelled Konta into the Top 10 and her fighting spirit should get her through but Wickmayer looked pretty steady in her opening win.

Prediction: Konta in two sets.

 

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Featured Image Credit: Jimmie48 Tennis Photography