Brit beats Agnieszka Radwanska to win Sydney global

But Croft recalls a time when the British No1, who is due to take on Belgium’s Kirsten Flipkens in the opening round, was a nervous wreck on court.

British No.1 Johanna Konta put on a masterclass in the final of the Apia International Sydney to defeat Agnieszka Radwanska and capture her second career WTA title in straight sets.

“I’m just amazed by the transformation in her”, said Croft.

“I was born here, so this is a very special moment for me”, Konta said after receiving the trophy.

But nobody could accuse her of getting carried away, not when the full extent of her post-win celebrations were a ham and cheese toastie and non-diet Coke.

Having lost to her at Wimbledon past year, after advancing in the main draw for the first time, there was a touch of sweet revenge as Konta capably handled everything the Canadian could throw at her.

“I’m expecting really good match in the first round”.

Over the past few years, Bouchard has found out the hard way that criticism was just around the corner from all compliments that hailed down on her during her fast rise to stardom.

“Last year I was here and my attitude wasn’t the best, but you live and you learn, you come back and I’m glad I turned it around this year”, said Johnson, who lost in the first round in 2016.

‘I can’t even be angry with myself. She definitely deserved to win.

“She’s in great form, very fit physically, unbelievably consistent, very headstrong, just one of those names that any of the players in the draw would see as a nightmare because you’re in for a rough ride when you draw her”.

What titles has Jo Konta won?

Forgotten tennis star Eugenie Bouchard admits a growing legion of “haters” have helped fuel her desire for a successful 2017 campaign, beginning with a winning Australian summer. A comfortable hold of service for Radwanska then followed as she looked to close out the match in straight sets.

The Sydney-born world No 10 reached the semi-finals at the Australian Open past year and looks set to be a major threat again next week, judging by her form in this week’s warm-up. She could meet Caroline Wozniacki in the third round and potentially Serena Williams in the quarter-finals before another meeting with Radwanska. But Konta brings out her best in the land down under, and with a (sort of) home crowd behind her back, she should emerge triumphant in a close one.