Strycova stuns Konta to set up first slam singles semi-final with Serena

Barbora Strycova earned a Wimbledon semi-final clash with Serena Williams as the Czech doubles specialist stunned British hope Johanna Konta.

On her 53rd singles mission in a grand slam, Strycova has achieved a monumental breakthrough, having only ever previously reached one quarter-final.

She beat Konta 7-6 (7-5) 6-1 on Centre Court, and on Thursday the 33-year-old will tackle Williams, 37, for a place in the final.

Williams has won all three of their past meetings, including a first-round Wimbledon clash seven years ago, without dropping a set. She is also chasing a record-tying 24th grand slam singles triumph.

But arguably she has never played Strycova in such form, with Konta confounded and exasperated by the manner of this defeat.

Worth the wait… #Wimbledon | @BaraStrycova pic.twitter.com/MHTFBPUy3R

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 9, 2019

Konta led 4-1 against the world number 54 in the first set but gave the early break back, and a to-and-fro tie-break looked to be heading the Briton’s way once she reeled off three stunning passing shots.

Three times a grand slam semi-finalist, Konta’s level dipped to damaging effect at a critical juncture. Defending a set point on her own serve, she ploughed a forehand into the net.

Strycova was full of tricks, executing drop shots with a greater element of surprise than those dispatched from the Konta racket, and showing the deft touch expected of a player ranked third in the world in doubles.

She made an early move in the second set, opening up three break points when a cross-court passing shot wrongfooted Konta. On the second of those points, Konta jabbed a backhand wide and looked bewildered by the state of play.

Konta saved break point in the sixth game with a fine drop volley, only to double-fault and flay a drive volley long and wide to give up the double break.

There was no way back, Konta spearing a backhand long on match point as her title hopes, and British interest in the singles, were vanquished.

The #Wimbledon ladies’ semi-final line-up

 Serena Williams vs Barbora Strycova 
 Elina Svitolina vs Simona Halep  pic.twitter.com/IeeVLVORku

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 9, 2019

Strycova was asked how being a semi-finalist felt and said: “It sounds crazy but it’s happening.”

She added: “I am extremely happy, and my voice is shaking still right now because I can’t believe it.

“I enjoyed it, it was a very special moment for me.”

As for facing Williams, she said: “It’s a great week to play her and a match I really look forward to playing.”

STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN
Barbora Strycova bt Johanna Konta [19] 7-6 (7-5) 6-1

WINNERS/UNFORCED ERRORS
Strycova – 22/9
Konta – 28/34

ACES/DOUBLE FAULTS
Strycova – 4/3
Konta – 3/1

BREAK POINTS WON
Strycova – 3/7
Konta – 1/2

FIRST SERVE PERCENTAGE
Strycova – 69
Konta – 62

PERCENTAGE OF POINTS WON ON FIRST/SECOND SERVE
Strycova – 67/74
Konta – 51/64

TOTAL POINTS
Strycova – 72
Konta – 56