Shropshire Star

Johanna Konta sets up semi-final clash with Donna Vekic in Nottingham

Konta faces a rematch of the 2017 final against Vekic in the last four.

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Johanna Konta reached her first semi-final since Wimbledon last year with a 6-4 6-2 victory over Dalila Jakupovic at the Nature Valley Open in Nottingham.

The British number one has hit form on grass after a disappointing season up to now and proved too steady for an erratic opponent. Konta next faces Croatian Donna Vekic, who beat her in the final 12 months ago.

It was a first meeting between Konta and Jakupovic, and it was the Slovenian who made the first move with a break for 2-1. But Konta did not panic and seized her chance when her opponent became more wayward, winning four games in a row to take the first set.

Johanna Konta celebrates beating Dalila Jakupovic in the quarter-finals in Nottingham
Johanna Konta celebrates beating Dalila Jakupovic in the quarter-finals in Nottingham (Mike Egerton/PA)

Jakupovic had an early break in the second as well but Konta was quickly back on terms and ensured there were no slip-ups against a demoralised opponent.

Konta said on Eurosport: “It was very tricky out here, quite windy, and I’d never played her before. The most important thing is that I’m competing well and fighting for every single point. I’m definitely enjoying getting more matches under my belt and we’ll work towards getting another one.”

Following their clash here 12 months ago, Konta and Vekic met in the second round of Wimbledon, with the British player coming through 10-8 in the deciding set.

Konta has had some notable battles with Donna Vekic, including at Wimbledon last year
Konta has had some notable battles with Donna Vekic, including at Wimbledon last year (John Walton/PA)

“We’ve had some incredible battles, especially the last two times,” said Konta. “She’s playing very well on this surface. I’m looking forward to the challenge, it’ll be a great test for me to keep competing the way I have and keep raising my level.”

British number four Katie Boulter was making her first appearance in a WTA Tour quarter-final but found top seed Ashleigh Barty too savvy, the Australian winning 6-0 6-2.

In the men’s event, which is on the second-tier Challenger Tour, Dan Evans reached his second successive semi-final with a 7-6 (7/5) 6-3 victory over Canadian qualifier Brayden Schnur.

The former British number two is making the most of his opportunities on his favoured grass as he works his way back from a drugs ban.

Dan Evans continued his good form on grass by reaching the semi-finals
Dan Evans continued his good form on grass by reaching the semi-finals (Mike Egerton/PA)

In a feisty contest, Evans saved a set point in the opening set before claiming the only break of the match to set up a clash with Spain’s Marcel Granollers.

The 28-year-old, who is waiting to find out whether he will be given wild cards for the big grass-court events, said: “I’ve been working pretty hard off the court as well. I’ve done everything I can to be in this position now.

“You can come here and easily lose in the first round, there are some great players here. It’s been two good weeks.”

Evans was one of two British players hoping to make the last four but James Ward fell 6-4 6-3 to Ilya Ivashka.

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