Johanna Konta shines on Australian Open debut by knocking out Venus Williams
JOHANNA KONTA ruthlessly swept aside eighth seed Venus Williams 6-4, 6-2 for the biggest win of her career to date.
Johanna Konta proved too strong for Venus Williams
The British No.1, who was making her debut at the Australian Open, controlled proceedings in the Rod Laver Arena.
Williams, the seven-times Grand Slam champion, appeared to be hampered with her movement, as her thigh was heavily strapped.
Konta however produced a nerveless display and broke Williams’ serve early on.
Having earned three set points, Konta clinched the opening set with an ace.
Venus Williams shows her frustration as she slips to defeat
Konta roared into a 5-0 lead in the second set, and while Williams ripped a few forehands, the fightback came too late as Konta wrapped up the match after 1 hour and 18 minutes on court.
She will now play either Carina Witthoeft or Saisai Zheng in round two.
“When the draw came out, I just hoped to stay out there more than an hour,” Konta said after her win.
“I have strong belief in the way I want to play out there and the way I want be thinking.”