Britain’s Johanna Konta brings to an end dream run of China star Zhang Shuai at Australian Open
Johanna Konta became the first British woman to reach a grand slam semi-final since 1983 on Wednesday when she ended the dream run of Chinese qualifier Zhang Shuai at the Australian Open.
The Sydney-born Konta, who came through a draining three-setter in the fourth round, recovered to oust Zhang 6-4, 6-1 and set up a last-four clash against German seventh seed Angelique Kerber.
Kerber stunned two-time champion Victoria Azarenka 6-3, 7-5 in the match preceding Konta’s on Rod Laver Arena.
She didn’t make it easy. I’m happy. I was able to fight every single point
The 24-year-old Konta, who has blossomed in the last year, had never been beyond the fourth round at a slam before but she now equals fellow Brits Virginia Wade (1972, en route to the title) and Sue Barker (1975 and 1977) in making the Melbourne semis.
In her Australian Open debut, she also became the first British woman to reach a semi-final at any of the grand slam tournament since since Jo Durie at the US Open in 1983.
“She didn’t make it easy,” an ecstatic Konta said of Zhang. “I’m happy. I was able to fight every single point.
“I really enjoyed it. I really enjoyed playing in front of the big crowd.