Sunday 22 January 2017 14:41, UK
Johanna Konta has the quality to win a Grand Slam title, according to her coach Wim Fissette.
The Belgian coach is in charge of Konta for the first time at a major tournament after her surprise decision to replace Spaniard Esteban Carril in November.
Konte plays Russian Ekaterina Makarova in the Australian Open last 16 on Monday, with the victor likely to earn a quarter-final showdown with Serena Williams.
Arriving on the back of her triumph at the Sydney International this month, Konta is yet to drop a set in Melbourne, her form persuading many to tip her as a genuine contender for the title.
Fissette, who has previously worked with leading names like Victoria Azarenka and Kim Clijsters, is in no doubt about Konta's champion credentials.
"For me, I started working with her because I really believe she can win a grand slam," Fissette said.
"Whether in the near or far future, I believe she can if she keeps getting better like this.
"She has the game. It's always great to see a girl who has a very big first serve, a very big second serve - which girl can do that?
"She has big ground strokes, not many weaknesses and I also saw her as somebody who is very hard-working and very disciplined.
"When I got the call I was excited - I was thinking like, 'oh wow yes, that is definitely something I would like to do'."
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