Konta makes it third time lucky against Radwanska
Friday 13 January 2017 15:25, UK
Johanna Konta's preparations for the Australian Open began in perfect style as she sealed her second WTA Tour title with victory at the Apia International in Sydney on Friday.
The British No 1 made it third time lucky against Radwanska with an emphatic 6-4 6-2 victory at the Ken Rosewall Arena.
The Polish second seed and 2013 champion, who beat her opponent in both of their previous meetings last year, was unable to cope with Konta's dominance as she produced an 82-minute display of aggression and power.
Konta overcame a string of unforced errors to win the first set when Radwanska sent a return wide after 45 minutes.
And she increased her dominance in the second set, racing into a 4-0 lead and sealing the victory with a seventh ace on her second championship point.
Konta, who did not drop a set all tournament, was watched by her sister, nieces and nephews, and said: "I was born here so this is a very special moment for me."
The 27-year-old Radwanska, twice a semi-finalist at Melbourne Park, admitted she had been powerless to prevent the Briton claiming the title the Pole had previously won three years ago.
"Well done Jo, it was unbelievable tennis today, I couldn't have played any better," said Radwanska.
Konta will now head to Melbourne with ambitions of emulating her success last year, when she went on to reach the semi-finals, although she has been handed a tricky opening tie against Belgium's Kirsten Flipkens.
Check Konta's progress and our game-by-game updates from Andy Murray's matches at the 2017 Australian Open by following our blog on skysports.com/tennis, our app for mobile devices and iPad or our Twitter account @skysportstennis.
By purchasing a Sky Sports Day Pass for £6.99 or Sky Sports Week Pass for £10.99, you can enjoy access to all seven Sky Sports channels and watch on a TV with a NOW TV Box or on a range of devices.
