Johanna Konta vs Simona Halep, Wimbledon quarter-final live: Can British hope make it into the final four?
Follow live coverage of Konta's Wimbledon quarter-final today
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Johanna Konta what promised not to let Simona Halep divert her attempt to become the first British woman to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals since 1978.
Konta beat France's Caroline Garcia 7-6 (7/3) 4-6 6-4 in the last 16 and is now looking to match Virginia Wade's run to the last four 39 years ago.
She may also have her eye on Wade's most significant record as the last British female to win Wimbledon in 1977.
But first, Konta must overcome Halep, the world number two, for whom the stakes are also high as she needs just one more victory at SW19 to become world number one.
Follow live coverage of the quarter-final below...
Here’s everything you need to know about Konta’s Wimbledon quarter-final.
What time does it start?
The match is third up on Centre Court.
Expect Novak Djokovic to beat Adrian Mannarino in three, but don’t be surprised if Jelena Ostapenko’s quarter-final against Venus Williams turns into a real slugfest.
All things considered, we think the match will likely begin at around 4pm.
Where can I follow it?
You can watch the match live on BBC One.
Alternatively, you can follow game by game updates and analysis with the Independent’s Wimbledon liveblog. Just bookmark this page.
What is the head to head record like?
Encouragingly for British tennis fans, Konta has won both of her previous matches against Halep who is the second seed at The Championships.
In 2015, Konta beat Halep in three sets at Wuhan.
And this year, Konta fought back from a set down to beat Halep 3-6 7-6(7) 6-2 in the quarter-finals of the Miami Open.
What are their Wimbledon records like?
Johanna Konta: 5-5
Simona Halep: 15-6
What have they been saying?
Johanna Konta, on whether there would be any bad blood between herself and Halep after their Fed Cup spat: “I'm playing against another tennis player, another opponent.
“I'm not playing against a crowd. I'm not playing against a past experience.
“Again, they were not in my shoes. They were not being verbally threatened. I think it's very difficult for them to understand my position in it."
Simona Halep, on the same topic: “After the match that day I said sorry if she felt bad. In my opinion, the public was very fair.
“I didn't have an emotional match with her. The problem was not with me. I don't expect it to be emotional, I expect a battle.”
Odds
Johanna Konta to win: 1/1
Simona Halep to win: 4/5
Additional reporting by PA.
Djokovic criticises Centre Court surface
Novak Djokovic had this to say about the Centre Court surface after his win over Adrian Mannarino:
"The courts are not that great this year, many players feel the same but it is what it is. The weather affects the grass.
"I'm sure the ground staff probably know their jobs the best in the world but grass is probably the most complex surface to maintain, it's not easy. They're trying their best but I've played on better courts."
Quotes from BBC
Kuznetsova 3-6 2-3 Muguruza* (*denotes next server)
Kuznetsova nets a forehand to go 0-30 down on her own serve. Muguruza sends a backhand long to lose the next point but a forehand error by the seventh-seeded Kuznetsova brings up two break points for the Spaniard. The first one is saved as Kuznetsova dispatches a volley but Muguruza takes the second break point courtesy of an inside-out forehand winner.
Williams 3-0 Ostapenko* (*denotes next server)
At 30-30 on Ostapenko's serve the Latvian nets a couple of backhands to hand Venus an early break. The American backs the break up with a hold to 15.
Williams* 6-3 0-1 Ostapenko (*denotes next server)
Williams serves the set out to 30 before Ostapenko holds to 15 in the opening game of the second set with a stunning forehand winner up the line.
Williams 6-3 1-1 Ostapenko* (*denotes next server)
A couple of intelligent returns from Ostapenko force two errors from Williams. The Latvian brings up a break point with a cross-court forehand winner but Williams outlasts the youngster in the next rally to save it before winning the following two points to hold.
Williams* 6-3 2-1 Ostapenko (*denotes next server)
After defending a break point in her previous service game Williams breaks Ostapenko to love to take the initiative in this second set.
Williams 6-3 3-3 Ostapenko* (*denotes next server)
Ostapenko brings up two more break points as Williams slices a backhand into the net at 15-30... and the Latvian needs just one as Williams throws in a double fault.
Williams* 6-3 3-4 Ostapenko (*denotes next server)
Ostapenko starts the game with a double fault but a lovely half-volley pick-up followed by a forehand winner down the line make it 30-15. The French Open champion brings up two game points with a backhand pass down the line... and she needs just one as she aces Williams down the T. We've got a match on our hands now.
Williams* 6-3 4-5 Ostapenko (*denotes next server)
Ostapenko has really found her form in the last few games. She's a game away from levelling this match up after another supremely impressive hold of serve.
Halep 1-0 Konta* (*denotes next server)
The players exchange winners in the opening two points before Halep goes 30-15 up with a smooth serve-forehand combo. A big forehand from Konta forces an error from the second seed in the next point but the Briton then misses the mark with two forehands in a row to see the chance of an opening-game break slip away.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments