The best moments of Johanna Konta’s career
- Charlie Smith
- @CharlieSmith118
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Johanna Konta is set to take on Sloane Stephens in her first French Open quarter-final on Tuesday afternoon after she defeated Donna Vekic on Sunday. The British number one has enjoyed a phenomenal rise over the past five years, however, the 28-year-old is still yet to reach a Grand Slam final. Konta has enjoyed plenty of fine individual moments during her career and ahead of her quarter-final at Roland Garros, we’ve taken a look at some of the best.
Maiden singles title
Shortly before her 17th birthday in May 2008, Konta claimed her first ITF singles title in Bosnia and Herzegovina, taking home $10,000 in the process.
First major upset
In 2009, aged 18, Konta entered a tournament in Sutton as a wild card. The Brit defeated Corinna Dentoni, the top seed in the tournament, before losing the final to Katie O’Brien.
Wimbledon debut
After Konta was granted British citizenship in 2012, she made her Wimbledon debut at the All England Club that summer. The Brit put in an incredible performance against 28th seed Christina McHale and eventually lost the match 10-8 in the final set.
First Grand Slam victory
After an impressive Wimbledon debut, Konta qualified for the US Open and secured her first Grand Slam victory in the first round against world number 59 Tímea Babos. The Brit then almost defeated Olga Govortsova in the second round, however, the Belarusian came from behind to advance to the third round.
Fed Cup debut
Konta made her Fed Cup debut for Great Britain alongside Laura Robson in 2013. The pair won their doubles match as Britain defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina with a whitewash win.
Becoming British number two
After an impressive end to the season in 2013, Konta overtook Heather Watson as the official British number two.
French Open debut
In 2015, Konta made her French Open debut. Unfortunately for the Brit, she suffered a first-round defeat. However, the match against Denisa Allertova went down in history after the pair were involved in the longest tie-break in French Open history.
2015 US Open run
After previously having just one main victory in Grand Slams, Konta produced an excellent display in the 2015 US Open. The Brit defeated Louisa Chirico, Garbine Muguruza and Andrea Petkovic on her way to the last 16 stage, before losing to Petra Kvitova.
Defeating Williams in Australian Open debut
Konta made her main draw Australian Open debut in 2016 and defeated American Venus Williams in the first round. The Brit defeated the eighth seed in straight sets in a remarkable performance at the Rod Laver Arena.
Continuing her Australian Open campaign
After her impressive win over Williams, Konta continued her Australian Open campaign and reached her first ever Grand Slam semi-final, where she was defeated by eventual champion Angelique Kerber.
First seeded British women at Wimbledon for 30 years
After entering the grass court season ranked 18th in the world in 2016, Konta was the first British women to be seeded at Wimbledon for 30 years. She claimed her first win at the All England Club against Monica Puig, however, the Brit then lost to Eugenie Bouchard in the second-round.
Olympic quarter-final
Shortly after Wimbledon, Konta represented Great Britain at the Olympic Games in Rio. The Brit reached the last eight in Brazil with wins over Stephanie Vogt, Caroline Garcia and Svetlana Kuznetsova, before losing to Angelique Kerber.
WTA's Most Improved Player
After missing out on the award in 2015, Konta picked up the WTA’s Most Improved Player in 2016 after an impressive season, finishing the year ranked number 10 in the world. Konta received the award with over 80% of the vote.
Miami Open title
Konta won the biggest title of her career with victory over Caroline Wozniacki at the Miami Open in 2017. She became the first British woman to win the Miami Open, rising to world number seven in the process.
Wimbledon semi-final
Konta caught the hearts of the nation at Wimbledon in 2017 with a remarkable run to the semi-finals, becoming the first woman to do so since 1978. Konta defeated second seed Simona Halep in the quarter-finals before losing to Venus Williams in the last four, rising to world number four.