Wimbledon Women’s Semi-finals Preview and Odds – Johanna Konta vs Venus Williams

July 13, 2017 14:00pm

Wimbledon – Centre Court

With Andy Murray now out of the tournament, British hopes rest on the shoulders of World No. 7 Johanna Konta who faces five-time former champion Venus Williams in Thursday second women’s semi-final.

With such a strong billing, this is perhaps the standout match of Thursday’s schedule and should be a thriller. The British player has a 3-2 record over the American including a win in the final at Stanford last year and a first round victory in 2016’s Aussie Open, their only previous Grand Slam meeting. However, this is Wimbledon, and Venus is desperate to bag a sixth crown here after a nine-year wait.

At 37 years of age and with Serena out of the picture, this could be Venus’ best and perhaps last chance to grab a Grand Slam title. She will need to bring her best service game against an opponent who has become one of the best return players in the business. In the last round (against Ostapenko), the American relied on her serve to see her through but that might not be enough if the Brit can get those returns in and stretch her rival in the rallies.

Prediction

This promises to be an intriguing contest as the players meet on grass for the very first time. Three of their five previous meetings have gone all the way and another three setter should be expected here.

Konta has had the toughest run to get to this stage and has prepared well for this event. What’s more, the home crowd could play a big part in carrying her through the crucial moments in this game. With that kind of momentum, she might just have enough to deal with the power of her hugely experienced opponent.

Back Over 2.5 sets at 5/4 or Konta to win 2-1 at ·16/5 with Betfair.