Johanna Konta Stuns Simona Halep

Johanna Konta’s fantastic run at the Wuhan Open has continued as she came from 5-1 down in the final set to secure a dramatic victory over world No 2 Simona Halep. “Simona really played some unbelievable tennis in parts – she may not be feeling her best, but I’m just really happy I was able to take a few of the chances I created”.

She scored her first two Top 10 wins in that time, over Ekaterina Makarova and Garbiñe Muguruza, and against the No.2-ranked Halep she looked like a world-beater too, racing through the first set, 6-3.

The world number two hit back and appeared to have broken Konta’s challenge when she stormed 5-1 ahead in the decider. I feel humbled that I get the chance to come back tomorrow to compete again.

Johanna Konta is hoping to build on her showing at the United States open, where she reached the fourth round.

After Virginia Wade, Sue Barker’s win against Tracey Austin in Brighton in 1981 was the last time a British female player managed a victory against such a highly ranked opponent.

Australian-born Konta, who has Hungarian parents but became a British citizen in 2012, has been on a run of 19 wins out of 20 matches since her loss to Maria Sharapova at Wimbledon.

Konta has been in superb form this year, winning 21 of her previous 22 matches.

Azarenka had to retire with a leg injury in their second round match, but Konta had already taken the first set 6-4.

“Against Petra it’s always tough to play”, Vinci said.