Konta fights back to beat Boulter

Photo of author

By admin

British number one Johanna Konta earned her first win at the Battle of the Brits team event with an impressive comeback against Katie Boulter.

Konta, playing in only her second match since March, trailed by a set and double break before fighting back to win 2-6 7-6 (7-5) 10-6.

The 29-year-old’s win helped the British Bulldogs open up a 16-5 lead over the Union Jacks in Roehampton.

Union Jacks’ Dan Evans narrowed the gap to 16-8 with victory over Kyle Edmund.

In a match worth three points, British number one Evans earned a 6-4 6-4 win against the former world number 14 in Tuesday’s final singles match.

Bulldogs’ Cam Norrie, Liam Broady and Maia Lumsden also won their singles matches, while Harriet Dart and Beth Grey added to the team’s tally in the doubles.

The unique event features the country’s leading men and women at the National Tennis Centre, split into two teams chasing points in singles, doubles and mixed doubles matches.

The event has been organised by Jamie Murray to provide competitive action for British players while the professional tours remain suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“It’s not what it would feel like at a Grand Slam or WTA event but it was good to give both of us the chance to get those competitive juices and pretend we’re somewhere else,” said Konta after beating 23-year-old Boulter.

“She started very well but I felt I improved as the match went on and by the end we were playing some great tennis.

“These are my first competitive matches since the beginning of March so it is going to take time. I was in a good mindset and I stayed in each point and gave myself the best chance for my level to get better.”

Three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray is playing in the mixed doubles alongside youngster Jodie Burrage in Tuesday’s final match.

The 33-year-old Scot, representing the Union Jacks, is playing only in the doubles because he does not want to take any risks with his fitness.

Johanna Konta hits a return against Katie Boulter at the Battle of the Brits Team Tennis event
Konta, who is ranked 14th in the world, lost to youngster Jodie Burrage in Monday’s opening match

Tuesday’s results / order of play

Union Jacks 8-16 British Bulldogs (first to 60)

(Results/matches show Union Jacks players first, with points available in brackets)

Centre court

Jan Choinski 4-6 3-6 Cameron Norrie (two)

Katie Boulter 6-2 6-7 (5-7) 6-10 Johanna Konta (one)

Naomi Broady/Heather Watson 2-6 4-6 Harriet Dart/Beth Grey (two)

Dan Evans 6-4 6-4 Kyle Edmund (three)

Andy Murray/Jodie Burrage v Joe Salisbury/Emma Raducanu (two)

Court one

Anton Matusevich 1-6 6-2 10-12 Liam Broady (one)

Alicia Barnett 7-5 4-6 7-10 Maia Lumsden (one)

Jamie Murray/Olivia Nicholls 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 Alastair Gray/Eden Silva (one)

Source link

Leave a Comment