Johanna Konta reaches third round of Silicon Valley Classic
Last updated on .From the section Tennis
Johanna Konta eased past American Sofia Kenin to reach the quarter-finals of the Silicon Valley Classic.
A day after inflicting the worst defeat of Serena Williams' career, British number one Konta struck nine aces in a 6-1 6-4 victory.
"I approached the match as a separate challenge," said Konta, 27. "Every tournament that I go into, I want to be there until the very end."
Konta will face fourth seed Elise Mertens of Belgium next.
Mertens reached the last eight with a 6-2 6-0 victory over American wildcard Ashley Kratzer.
Konta added: "[Mertens is] a great player. She has been playing very well consistently this season, and that is a big task and she is been doing that so well."
Spain's top seed Garbine Muguruza withdrew before her second-round match against former world number one Victoria Azarenka because of an arm injury.
Belarusian Azarenka instead faced lucky loser Anna Blinkova, 19, of Russia and needed less than an hour to complete a 6-1 6-0 thrashing. She plays Danielle Collins next.
Boulter heading out? Citi Open results
At the Citi Open in Washington, Britain's Katie Boulter was 6-4 4-4 down on American Allie Kiick in their second-round tie before play was suspended due to rain.
Sloane Stephens' preparations for her US Open title defence suffered a setback when she was shocked 2-6 6-4 6-2 by German Andrea Petkovic.
In the men's draw, former world number one Andy Murray took another big step in his comeback from hip surgery by beating fellow Briton Kyle Edmund 7-6 (7-4) 1-6 6-4 to reach the third round.
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Her record demolition of grunting Williams was a masterclass of controlled power and pace. She moved Williams from all over the court and the big Williams just fell to pieces. Williams tried to intimidate with her stare and grunt but Konta held firm. A truly outstanding performance.
"Sounds as if you don't really like larger, black, African-American females much."
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How dare you make such an aspersion against me. I dont like Williams on many levels including her outrageous court conduct, abuse of officials etc The fact that Williams is black has nothing to do with my disliking her.
I was delighted Konta thrashed her. A great day for tennis.
Well done Jo!
Realistically, Konta along with Edmund and Norrie are by far Britain's best chance of wining a slam in the next 5 years.
Whilst she lacks consistency when shes confident and brings her A game she has a beautiful flow on the court. It's her A game which will see her win slams and her lack of consistency which will also see 1st round defeats.