Johanna Konta bows out of Aegon Nottingham Open after quarter-final defeat
Monday 15 June 2015 16:16, UK
Johanna Konta suffered a quarter-final exit at the Aegon Nottingham Open after losing in three sets to Monica Niculescu.
The British No 2 had reached the semi-finals of the tournament for the last two years, but bowed out following a 6-2 2-6 6-2 defeat against the Romanian.
During a tentative start, Konta was broken by her world No 61 opponent and soon conceded the opening set.
But she was warmly supported by the home crowd while battling back in the second, forcing a string of errors from Niculescu to level the match.
An early break put Konta on the back foot in the third and she was unable to forge one of her own, despite a string of prolonged rallies, with a wayward forehand confirming her elimination.
Speaking afterwards, Niculescu admitted she was forced to work for victory over the Brit, ranked at no 147.
"I started well, but then her level went up and she was playing so, so good," said Niculescu. "I tried my best, I had many games 40-0, 40-15 and she was always playing much better than that. I mean she played amazing.
"Second set I could not do anything, but I'm happy that I could step up my game in the third set."
