Bouchard shows glimpses of best to oust Konta

Eugenie Bouchard ended British No.1 Johanna Konta’s Wimbledon challenge with an impressive three-set win on Centre Court. But Bouchard, who reached the final in 2014, responded well to force her way back in the match.

Konta, 25, gathered herself though and showed plenty of signs that she can have success in these parts in years to come as she demolished Bouchard in set two, breaking twice – one lovely lob flawless for the highlights package.

Tenth seed Kvitova – the victor of this event in 2011 and 2014 – wasted little time after her match with Sorana Cirstea had been delayed, the Czech racing through the first set in just 15 minutes en route to a 6-0 6-4 win. “There is no feeling like walking out on Centre Court at Wimbledon. I feel this is going to be my court hopefully soon”. I do my best to keep myself present and not rush anywhere.

Bouchard will play Slovak 19th seed Dominika Cibulkova in the third round. It was too little too late for Konta as Bouchard held to close out the match.

It just about had it all: it was hard fought, the advantage swung like a pendulum, and there were great shots, epic rallies and some controversial line calls.

The match was completed at the covered centre court at the All England Club after rain postponed matches on outdoor courts for a second straight day. Now she knows how much further she has to go. He’s played the three grass-court Challengers in the build-up.

With that accuracy and power came the first set, and Konta’s hopes looked to be disappearing in the fresh evening air.

The Canadian was made to pay for her missed opportunities in the following game when Konta raced ahead 0-40 and drew and error for the double break lead and a chance to serve for the set.

“I went in with no real expectations of an outcome”, said Konta. “It’s obviously the same for both players and a lot of the players today”.

On a dreary, rainy day that wiped out most of the action, Bouchard learned late that she would wrap up her match with Slovakia’s Magdalena Rybarikova under the roof on tennis’s biggest stage.