Johanna Konta bowed out of the Australian Open after losing 6-2 6-3 to Serena Williams in the quarter-finals.
Here, Press Association Sport takes a look at five things that contributed to the British number one's defeat.
MISSED OPPORTUNITIES
Chances against Williams are usually few and far between and Konta was not clinical enough with hers. She missed an opening for an early break when Williams was struggling with her serve in the first set and then instantly gave a break back after moving ahead in the second. When Konta had the momentum she was unable to sustain it.
MISFIRING FOREHAND
Konta's forehand is usually one of her most potent strokes but it proved less lethal than in previous rounds. The shot produced only three winners and with 10 unforced errors thrown in, it was also the cause of her most mistakes. To beat Williams, Konta needed to be firing on all cylinders. Her biggest weapons caused too little damage.
SERENA'S SERVE
Williams grew agitated early on when she repeatedly missed her first serve and it was unreliable, delivering only 45 per cent of the time. When it went in, however, Konta struggled to respond, the Briton winning only three points from 26 on her opponent's first serve and half of those on her second. Williams also produced 10 aces. Konta found the deadliest shot in the women's game too hot to handle.
STYLE OF PLAY
Konta has become one of strongest baseline hitters on the circuit as proven by her blistering displays en route to the semi-final. A rasping groundshot is music to the ears of Williams, however, who enjoys matching pace with pace and nearly always has the power to prevail. Unfortunately for Konta, it is craftier players, with greater variety of spin and speed, that tend to cause the American problems.
NEWBIE NERVES
While Williams was playing her 47th grand slam quarter-final, this was Konta's second. It was also the first time she had ever played the 22-time grand slam champion and therefore entirely understandable if she found it surreal facing an opponent she spent her childhood watching on TV. Beating Williams is a mental challenge, as much as a physical and technical one. Konta will be better prepared next time.
Source: PA
