Johanna Konta has powered into the next round in Monterrey, after defeating Tatjana Maria 7-6(4), 6-3. In the first meeting between the two, both players started strong and battled hard throughout a tight first set to force a tie-break. The Brit kept her cool and clinched the tie-break 7-4, on her first opportunity, to go a set up.
Konta wrapped up the match after an impressive second set performance, breaking the German in the sixth game and then serving it out for a well-deserved win.
Following her victory, Konta said
"I’m really pleased I was able to try to play the game, find a way, and basically be able to work my way through that match."
The win sets up a quarter-final clash against 18-year old Russaian, Anastasia Potapova, on Friday. This will be the British No. 1’s second Monterrey quarter-final of her career, previously reaching the round in 2016, where she will be aiming to reach her first WTA semi-final of the year.
Earlier this week, Konta overcame Kim Clijsters 6-3, 7-5 in her opening round match in Monterrey, marking her first singles win of 2020. Konta put in a strong performance against the former Grand Slam champion, not facing a single break point as she completed the victory in an hour and 25 minutes.
After the win, Konta shared her admiration for her opponent "As a young player, I never thought I'd get to play Kim Clijsters in my career." Then added,
"I feel truly privileged and honoured to share the court with such a champion.”