Johanna Konta’s Australian Open run ends in semi-finals

Johanna Konta calls it “the process”.

“Her being a lefty definitely helps out as well”.

“I really enjoyed the battles”, she said.

It has still been a remarkable tournament for the 24-year-old, who last year didn’t even make into the Australian Open main draw after losing in the first round of qualifying.

The likes of Heather Watson and Laura Robson have been tipped for major success, but neither has gone beyond the fourth round in a grand slam. When she leaves Melbourne to return to the grind of the WTA Tour, her reputation will be significantly enhanced and she will head for the second slam of the season, at Roland Garros, with every expectation of being ranked high enough for a seeding.

Kerber has one win in six matches against Williams – in 2012.

A continuation of Williams’ first-set form won’t give Kerber – or anyone else – much chance, according to Radwanska’s coach.

The world number six will now play Konta for a place in the final and she will be heavy favourite, standing 41 places above her opponent in the rankings.

“She played a really, really good match and that’s why she is the victor and I’m not today”.

Was she aware of the mounting interest in her exploits at home? I’ve shown good quality, way more consistent, physically much better.

“I must play my best tennis against her (Williams). I got a lot of messages yesterday”. Just add that into the mix, guys.

With the roof on Rod Laver Arena closed because of a thunderstorm closing in, the most obvious noise in the first set was the chirping of trapped birds who’d taken shelter in the stadium.

Sydney-born Konta defeated Zhang 6-4 6-1.

“I did quite a good job of removing any sort of occasion from the match”.

“For me it’s always been tennis”.

“I am really looking forward to playing Serena in the final”.

The 25-year-old claimed the opening set 6-3, but 23rd seed Monfils levelled the tie with an impressive range of shots to secure the second 6-3. There is no comparison really.

“I’m pretty sure they have jet lag because of the time difference”. And, because we are Hungarian passport holders, European, they decided that they were going to base themselves in Great Britain. “It was their sacrifice for me”.

But when Mouratoglou was asked how important getting to 22 was, the reply was quick.

“That’s a deep question”. I think it would be silly for that to change.

“I have improved so much from previous year”.

“Taking this three weeks I have to keep working hard”.

“I’m just going to work through it. If it’s sadness, if I need to cry, I may cry”.

Angelique Kerber: “You know, actually it doesn’t matter against who I’m playing in the semis”. I’m incredibly humble and grateful for the position that I’m in. “But for now, I’d rather have this than something else because it means I’m doing well”. “I don’t want to relive that at all”.

The last British woman to reach the semis of a grand slam was Jo Durie at the 1983 U.S. Open. That dream stays the same as long as you’re doing the career that you’re on.

“Twenty-three is more important”.

Deep question, deep answer. It would seem Britain has acquired a very worthwhile and interesting new sports star.