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Konta bows out in the WTA Elite Trophy semi-final

Ros Satar
Tennis

 

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By Ros Satar

  • Elina Svitolina def. Johanna Konta 2-6 6-1 6-4
  • Konta closes out season in the Top 10
  • Stats from TennisAbstract
ZHUHAI, CHINA – British No. 1 Johanna Konta closed out her season at the WTA Elite Trophy, after being edged in the decider by Elina Svitolina.

 

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Much like in the previous match – the scene was set for some powerful hitting and the potential for some brutal rallies from the first point, as Svitolina kicked things off, before Konta started her bid for the final with a typically dominant serve to love – starting with an ace.

Konta, who had yet to drop a set during the tournament, blew past the Ukrainian in just 26 minutes, but a lapse in her usual rock-solid concentration coupled with Svitolina firming up her own game saw the Brit fall 0-5 behind in the second set.

She managed to salvage one game and avoid the dreaded ‘bagel’ set, and it looked as though she had righted the ship, breaking Svitolina in the decider for a 3-1 lead. But there were more twists to come as Svitolina reeled off four games in a row, breaking Konta twice to lead 5-3.

The Brit picked up a game to force Svitolina to serve for her spot in the final, as Konta rounded out a tremendous season which sees her finish in the Top 10 at the season end.

As reported by WTATennis.com, Konta said, post match: “I think she did a really great job of putting herself back into the match. She also raised her level; I definitely dropped mine a bit. I think the momentum just shifted and then I couldn’t quite recover it. She kept running away with it really.

“[I] really wasn’t in it much at the end.

Konta’s achievements are numerous – and despite missing out on a chance to claim the biggest title on her career it is worth looking back at the highlights.

  • Australian Open semi-final
  • Wins first WTA title in Stanford
  • Reaches biggest final in Beijing, losing to Agnieszka Radwanska
  • Pipped to the final berth of the WTA Finals
  • Wins WTA Most Improved Player Award
  • Reaches the semi-final of the WTA Elite Trophy

All eyes will be on her start to the season – she started slowly before hitting her stride in Melbourne but expectations will be high.

Svitolina will face Petra Kvitova for the WTA Elite Trophy on Sunday.

 

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