Johanna Konta loses in straight sets against Petra Kvitova at US Open
Tuesday 8 September 2015 09:20, UK
Johanna Konta's remarkable run in the US Open came to an end after a fourth round defeat by two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova.
The British No 2 had beaten seeded pair Garbine Muguruza and Andrea Petkovic on the way to the last 16, but two untimely double faults led to her downfall in the 7-5 6-3 loss.
Konta, who had not been defeated since losing in the first round of Wimbledon, could not be faulted for her effort but her lack of experience at the highest level was telling.
The Sydney-born Konta's previous best showing at a Grand Slam was a second round appearance at Flushing Meadows three years ago and in the build-up she insisted she would not be overawed by the occasion of tackling one of the world's leading players.
She had served with more authority during the opening games and brought up a number of break point chances with her precise backhand, but Kvitova stubbornly defended them.
Showing her top level experience, the two-time Wimbledon champion pressured the Konta serve at 6-5 up, setting up her first break point, and the world No 97 delivered it with a dismal double fault.
Despite this frustrating setback, Konta made a determined start to the second set and again forced the fifth seed to work on her own serve.
But another costly lapse proved decisive as Konta suddenly faltered at 40-0 up, allowing Kvitova to drag her back to deuce and another double fault offered up a second break for a 5-3 lead.
Still Konta refused to bow out without a scrap and she saved two match points before Kvitova converted the third, booking her place in the US quarters for the first time, where she will meet Flavia Pennetta.
The Italian advanced with a 6-4 6-4 win over Australia's Sam Stosur.
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