It was a quick third round for sixth seed and oddsmakers’ favourite Johanna Konta, who defeated world No. 101 Maria Sakkari of Greece in two sets on No.1 Court — 6-4, 6-1 — in just an hour and 16 minutes.
Before this tournament, the 26-year-old Konta had reached the second round at the All England Club only one time, in 2016. Now, she is safely into the fourth.
Johanna Konta beats Maria Sakkari 6-4 6-1. Plays Caroline Garcia for chance to become 1st Brit women to reach quarters since 1984 #Wimbledon
— Stuart Fraser (@stu_fraser) July 7, 2017
Konta broke Sakkari’s serve in the first game out, thanks in part to two passing shots landed by the Brit. She then used her big serve to consolidate to love and go up 2-0. Konta had another break point in the next game, but Sakkari saved it with an unreturned serve.
Konta subsequently held to love with ace, and three games later, she led 4-3. Then the British No. 1, down 15-40, faced two break points, but saved them quickly with good serving.
Sakkari, in a must-hold situation down 3-5, held to 30 on a crosscourt backhand winner. Konta went on to serve out the set 6-4.
In the first game of the second set, Konta squandered two break points by missing backhand returns, but she won the game on a third break point, putting herself ahead by a set and a break. She consolidated to 15 for 2-0. The Brit afterwards picked up a second break and then held her serve for a 4-0 advantage.
Sakkari eliminated the possibility of a bagel by making a drop shot to make it 1-4.
Konta later double-faulted into a 30-40 situation, but the Greek player failed to capitalise on the opportunity, missing a forehand long. This put Konta up 5-1 with Sakkari serving.
Konta broke in the next game for the breadstick and to win the match.
Konta’s round-of-16 opponent will be the 21st seed, France’s Caroline Garcia, who Friday defeated American Madison Brengle 6-4, 6-3. Konta and Garcia are 2-2 against one another, never having met before on grass.
“She’s a very good player,” Konta said of Garcia after the match. “She’s someone who is playing with a lot of confidence right now. I think she made the last eight in Paris, as well. She’s definitely playing with confidence in the slams.”
