Tuesday 2 February 2016 17:20, UK
GB Fed Cup captain Judy Murray has highlighted the importance of Johanna Konta's surge in the Australian Open for future British tennis stars.
Speaking ahead of the Fed Cup, Murray spoke about how Konta's timely performance will give a lift to fellow British tennis players.
Konta was the first British woman to reach a Grand Slam semi-final in 33 years and Murray believes it will inspire players such as Heather Watson and Laura Robson to reach new heights.
"I think it's been a huge boost, a huge source of inspiration to the young players that we are taking with us, Katie Swan, Freya Christie and for Heather (Watson) and Laura (Robson) who is still injured," said Murray.
"But for them to see Jo (Konta) breaking through will give them that sort of boost, I think, to say 'Yeah, I want to get up there as well' and I think that they are both quite capable of that so I think their future is looking quite rosy."
Watson, currently ranked 85th in the world, was full of praise for Konta's historic performance in the Australian Open, and the 23-year-old also spoke about her dream to replicate Konta's achievements.
"I was just so pleased for her," said Watson.
"I couldn't imagine what it feels like to just be there playing in the semi-finals of a grand slam, I mean that's the dream".
Murray and her team will be without Konta this week due to injury as they prepare to play against Georgia and South Africa in the group phase.
