By Ros Satar
- Johanna Konta [2] def. Tatjana Maria 7-6(4), 6-3
- Konta v Anastasia Potapova | First Meeting
MONTERREY, MEXICO – Johanna Konta had to work out the puzzle of Tatjana Maria as she advanced to the Monterrey quarter-finals.
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Johanna Konta [2] def. Tatjana Maria 7-6(4), 6-3
Tatjana Maria’s win over sometime doubles partner was a hard-fought battle for the German and earned her a crack at a second Brit in a row in second seed Johanna Konta. However, it was the British No. 1 who had the chances on her side – and indeed saw 10 break points come and go in the match before a topsy-turvy tie-break.
Konta was the first to hold her serve after five points with a brace of mini-breaks before Konta closed out the first wet with two holds on her own serve.
It was a competitive start to the second set, and again the first chance Konta had for a lead slipped her by, but she converted on her second chance for a 4-2 lead. She finally took the match on her third match point, not before having to deflect her own break-point.
As reported by the WTA, Konta said: “It was an incredibly tough match. [Maria] is very crafty, and very creative on the court, and quite frankly made me uncomfortable today. She plays a game that is very tough to get rhythm against.
“I’m really pleased I was able to try to play the game, find a way, and basically be able to work my way through that match.”
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Konta [2] v Anastasia Potapova | First meeting
This tournament continues to be one of figuring out new opponents for the British No. 1. She will face one of a bright batch of Russians on the block in Anastasia Potapova. The teenager plays a fast, aggressive style of tennis, and in that respect, we can expect the pair to pound the covers off the poor yellow fluffies.
Potapova has been working her way solidly through qualifying rounds this season, with her biggest success being on home soil, reaching the quarter-finals in St Petersburg. She does, however, come into the season with a lot more match-wins under her belt.
Since teaming up with Dimitri Zavialoff, who does not believe in coming down to coach his charge in between games, Konta has had to figure things out on her own. Although she started the season slowly, she showed against Kim Clijsters and Maria that she does have the court smarts to work things out.
She is also generally a steadier player on the court than the 18-year-old, who certainly lets you know how she is feeling. If Konta can get under her skin, then she could find herself advancing.
Konta told reporters: “[Potapova is] very young, very talented, she’s playing better and better as the season’s going,” Konta said. “She’s young, so she’s obviously going to be playing very fearless, and really I’m sure inspired and motivated. That’s also exciting for me to play.”
Prediction: Konta in three sets.
Konta and Potapova are scheduled on Estadio GNP Segurio, not before 1:30pm (7:30pm GMT).
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