French Open 2019: Johanna Konta errors hand Marketa Vondrousova victory in semi-final meeting
Re-live all the action from Konta's first semi-final at Roland Garros
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Your support makes all the difference.Johanna Konta's hopes of reaching a first grand slam final were ended by a straight-sets loss to Czech teenager Marketa Vondrousova at the French Open.
This appeared a golden chance for Konta to become the first British woman to win a slam singles title since Virginia Wade at Wimbledon in 1977, but she let winning positions in both sets slip away and went down 7-5 7-6 (2).
In the end it was 19-year-old Vondrousova who showed the greater composure, coming back from 5-3 down in both sets. Re-live the action below:
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Konta 5-7 6-6 (1-2) Vondrousova
Still, the Briton isn't backing off. She steps inside the court from her baseline and thumps across a backhand winner. 1-2.
Konta 5-7 6-6 (1-3) Vondrousova
Konta puts it on a plate for Vondrousova with another misjudged drop shot. The Czech doesn't think twice as she rushes forward and finds the space with a sweeping forehand shot.
Konta 5-7 6-6 (2-4) Vondrousova
The Briton was well poised to take that last point but after rushing into the shot from her baseline, Konta could only find the top of the net. She'll be mightily disappointed with that. It was there for the taking.
Konta 5-7 6-6 (2-5) Vondrousova
A moment of brilliance from Vondrousova. She guessed right on a smash from Konta at the net and with a stunning forehand pick up, sent the ball around the net and beyond her opponent into the space behind.
Konta 5-7 6-6 (2-7) Vondrousova
And the teenager has done it! With three match points, Vondrousova took her first chance to secure victory. The Czech is through to her first Grand Slam final after an inspired and resilient performance that flashed with moments of genuine brilliance. A deserved finalist!
Konta 5-7 6-6 (2-7) Vondrousova
What can we say of Konta, then?
The consistency that defined her win against Stephens was certainly missing from today's performance. The Briton was let down by repeated unforced errors that took the wind out of her sails and prevented her from building up momentum against her opponent.
On that note, Konta had her chances in this match. In both sets, she seized the early initiative but lacked the assurance to put her opponent to the sword, notably squandering the opportunity to take the first set with a rushed volleyed smash that fell outside the tramlines.
She also seemed intent on forcing the drop shot which, on reflection, rarely worked. Credit due for persisting and having the self-belief, but there's no doubt her decision-making let her down today.
Still, she's come on leaps and bounds this tournament. Given the progress she's made, she stands in good stead for Wimbledon. Plenty of positives to be taken from this.
Konta congratulates Vondrousova after suffering defeat in the semi-final
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