Angelique Kerber vs Johanna Konta preview

Thursday January 28, 2016 13:30pm – Rod Laver Arena

Angelique Kerber remains on course for her first Grand Slam final appearance after brushing off the tough challenge of Victoria Azarenka in the Australian Open quarter-finals. She must now take on an unfamiliar opponent in the form of Britain’s Johanna Konta, who is looking to reach the Melbourne final at her very first attempt.

Kerber banking on strong return

Angelique Kerber defied many expectations by easing to victory against an in-form Victoria Azarenka on Wednesday. She needed just two sets to defeat the former champion and is now within touching distance of her first Grand Slam final.

A lack of unforced errors and a solid return of serve has helped Kerber to make light work of her opponents so far. However, her next adversary could cause her a few problems – especially at the net and on the return of serve.

The German’s toughest match so far came in Round 1 when she had fend off the strong net play of Japan’s Misaki Doi – a fact that Konta will no doubt have picked up on.

Konta proving to be great all-rounder

Johanna Konta has proved in this tournament that she can take on and beat a variety of different styles. From her first round victory against Venus Williams to her quarter-final triumph over China’s Shuai Zhang, the World No. 47 has proved that she knows how to play the player as well as the game.

She has a great first serve, is returning well and has dominated her opponents at the net. Her big test now will be whether she can deal with the high pressure situation of a Grand Slam semi-final. Based on recent evidence, the 24-year-old seems to be play with nerves of steel.

Prediction

Johanna Konta has been a joy to watch in this tournament, her all-round game has defied her ranking and she seems to close out the big points with ease.

Konta to win by 2 sets to 1 can be backed at 11/2 with Betfair.