Is Tennis world champ Serena Williams afraid of a little competition for her title? According to several reports, the chances of the world’s number one tennis player to conquer the 2017 Australian Open title might be slim because of Johanna Konta.
Days before the Quarter Final match between the two, the Daily Mail cited local rumors in Melbourne about the possibility that Konta, the current number one player in the UK, can beat the American powerhouse. To argue the case, the media publication cited Konta’s recent match win against No 34 Ekaterina Makarova 6-1, 6-4 on Monday, as compared to Williams’ difficult win against Czech Barbora Strycova at 7-5, 6-4.
In an analysis, the Telegraph said Konta’s chances of beating Williams was high. Based from four rounds, Konta scored a 65 percent average of first serves landed, as compared to Williams’ 56 percent. Although Konta’s fastest serve was not as devastatingly quick as Williams’, it is to note that Konta’s first serve on the 21st tied with Williams at 104mph, gained significantly higher than Williams at 93mph to 85mph. Overall, the news org said Konta has won 94 percent of her service games, while Williams is only at 82 percent. The next best percentage after Konta is Garbine Muguruza of Spain, currently ranked 7 in the world, at 85 percent.
Williams, nonetheless, offered praises to her opponent, whom Mirror UK dubbed as the hottest player on the planet today, and said, “I have watched her game a lot - she’s been playing really well. She has a very attacking game. I know her game pretty well. I look forward to it.”
Even Williams’ coach Patrick Mouratoglou also admitted that his ward would need to raise her game against the current world No 9.
