Best of British Konta Bashes Halep

Posted by Rob Shepherd on Wednesday, July 12, 2017

26-year-old Johanna Konta became the first British woman to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals since Virginia Wade in 1978. Johanna Konta beat Romanian second seed Simona Halep in a pulsating game on centre court. Britain’s number one and sixth seed Konta fought back from losing the first set 6-7 by winning the second and third sets 7-6 and 6-4.

Why Has Konta Done So Well?

You would think it is down to hard work, dedication, professional coaching, motivation and discipline, right? Well you would be wrong! I can exclusively reveal why we are now on the verge of seeing the first British ladies’ player at Wimbledon since 1978 in this very article, the reason is me!!!

You see, I have a 100% record at ladies betting at Wimbledon, I kid you not, 100%

That’s right, every time I have made a bet in this years’ tournament, I have lost. 100% of the time. My bets? I have bet on anyone playing Konta and so far, this tactic is working. I already have my bet lined up for the semi-final, £10 on Venus Williams beating Konta.

I was debating contacting Konta, explaining how I am responsible for her good luck. I don’t want any thanks but if she offered to refund my losing bets, that would be nice.

Joking aside, Konta was worked hard to reach these dizzy heights. She started playing tennis seriously from the age of nine and in an article on the BBC website, Konta told the story of how she used to wake her father up at 5 o’clock so she could go out running and training. I didn’t even know there were two 5 o’clocks in a day!

“Ever since I was nine years old I’ve believed in my own ability and dreamed big, I don’t give myself too much time to dream and more focus on the work. I just stuck to my true self.”

The last 12 months have already been special for Konta, she won WTA titles in Los Angeles, Sydney and Miami. If Konta continues this form, she could yet add the greatest title in tennis to her CV.

The Match Against Simona Halep

I really enjoyed the match, it had everything! Konta was a few shots away from defeat but a mixture of true grit and belief turned the inevitable into the incredible.

Halep would have felt pressure before this match, if she beat Konta then Halep would claim the world number one seeding. Not only does this crown bring untold riches due to endorsement deals but it’s also the prestige.

As expected, Halep started the stronger of the two players and was 3-0 on the scoreboard before the Brit registered a score. Konta is a streak player and won 12 of the next 14 points to tie things at 4-4. The first set went to a tie-breaker which the Romanian won 7-2.

The second set was a nerve wracking and tense affair, once again it went to a tie-breaker. Lose this and Konta was out. A final set decider was clinched by Konta with a backhand which has become her trademark. It gave Halep no chance. 1-1.

Konta made the breakthrough in the 5th game when she managed to hold her serve and won the final rally with the score at 40-15.

Controversial Incident at the End

The strangest thing happened during the final rally. A member of the public let out a loud scream, to me it looked like Halep stopped playing momentarily, thinking a call had been made.

All due respect to her as she didn’t appear to complain to the umpire after the match but it was strange to say the least. Both players played a part on a great day of action at SW19.

It’s A Tough Road Ahead.

Once you get to this stage of Wimbledon, there are no easy opponents but Jo has been handed a real toughie against 5 times (whoa, thought I was writing a Liverpool football article then!) Wimbledon champion Venus Williams.

Venus is 37 year-old and suffers from Sjogren’s Syndrome, this is an autoimmune disease that causes terrible fatigue and joint swelling. Venus was also involved in a road traffic accident which resulted in the death of the elderly man, she recently broke down in tears at a press conference when the matter was mentioned.

I watched her game yesterday and she was simply awesome, rolling back the years to deliver a powerful performance in a 2 hour and 40-minute game. Stamina didn’t seem an issue, tough one to call this but I do predict a passionate game. Don’t miss this one guys.

Today’s Action

It’s the men that take the main stage today and hopefully it will provide the same level of quality as we saw yesterday.

Early Matches

Andy Murray v Sam Querrey

Andy “British when he wins, Scottish when he loses” Murray takes on Sam Querrey. Querrey knocked out defending champion Djokovic in last year’s competition so Andy will need to be wary of competency.

Querrey has hit 99 aces so far at Wimbledon and watching Murray earlier on warm-up, he looks in pain. I hope not, on paper it looks a simple victory, we are the UK though, we don’t do easy!

Quick look at the odds; Murray is huge favourite @1/7 with Sam Querrey a huge outsider at 9/2.

Gilles Muller v Marin Cilic

Muller was simply brilliant in his surprise win over Rafael Nadal. Another match I enjoyed from start to finish. He faces a tough opponent in Cillic who hasn’t dropped a set in four matches.

Cilic has won both previous meetings against Muller, including beating him in the semi-finals at Queen’s. Muller for his part has won more games on grass than any other player.

Quick look at the odds; Cillic is 1/5 on with Muller an outside bet at 7/2.

The action later sees Raonic take on Federer. Ranonic is 4/1 with Federer not surprisingly being the shortest odds in the tournament behind Murray at 1/6. The other late game is Berdych against Djokovic. Berdych is 7/2 and Djokovic 1/5.