13/8 Konta Expects Tough Muguruza Clash

Konta booked her spot in round two of the year’s first Grand Slam with a hard-fought, three-set victory over Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic.

In a match lasting nearly three hours, the British number one prevailed 7-6 (7-4) 2-6 7-6 (10-7), showing signs she is returning to the form that saw her reach the Melbourne Park semi-finals in 2016.

Last year was a setback for the 27-year-old as her form dipped and she went into her opening match ranked 37th in the world, with her next opponent ranked much higher in the standings.

However, Muguruza’s star has also been on the wane of late and 2018 was not kind to her, slipping from the top of the rankings in September 2017 to her current status of 18th.

But Konta is refusing to read too much into the Spaniard’s decline and feels anyone who has won both the French Open and Wimbledon is a player to be feared.

“She’s a great player,” she said. “She’s got two Grand Slam titles to her name, she plays big tennis, she competes very well, so that will be a big challenge to me.

“For someone to win two Grand Slam titles – and I think she is still ranked in the top 20 – she is a heck of a player.”

The duo have met three times over the years, with Konta holding a 2-1 winning advantage, having taken down Muguruza in straight sets at Eastbourne and in three at the US Open in 2015 (Konta 4/1 – 2-1 Winner – Set Betting).

Odds subject to change.