Johanna Konta eases to victory but Heather Watson and Kyle Edmund go out
Heather Watson loses to Jennifer Brady; Kyle Edmund outclassed by Pablo Carreno Busta
Thursday 19 January 2017 23:14, UK
Johanna Konta set up a blockbuster third-round clash against Caroline Wozniacki after cruising to victory at the Australian Open on Thursday.
Konta underlined her status as a genuine contender for the title by thrashing Japan's 19-year-old Naomi Osaka, 6-4 6-2.
The British No 1 showed a coolness under pressure that has defined her rise into the top 10 with a display of ruthless efficiency on Rod Laver Arena.
"It will be an incredibly tough one. Every round so far has been. I think my first round and also today, they were incredibly competent opponents," said Konta, reflecting on a Wozniacki showdown.
"But I'm looking forward to the challenge. I'm looking forward to trying. I'm looking forward to being out on court, competing, and ultimately I'm just trying to make my stay here in Melbourne as long as possible."
Coming off the back of winning the build-up Sydney International, Konta found it difficult to create an opening.
The British No 1 had chances in the fifth game but blew two break point opportunities.
But she made the most her next break point, slamming a backhand down the line to go 5-4 in front.
Konta served out the set and quickly took charge in the second, breaking for a 2-1 lead and never relinquishing the advantage.
The 25-year-old will now face the resurgent Wozniacki, who made the US Open semi-finals in September, after the Dane dismantled Croatia's Donna Vekic 6-1 6-3, barely putting a foot wrong.
"I feel really good body-wise and mentally, which is huge for me," she said, adding that Konta would be a big test. "She plays really well. You know, big forehand, big serve. But I'm ready. I'm playing well. I'm excited for the challenge."
Heather Watson squandered five match points before losing to American qualifier Jennifer Brady 2-6 7-6 (7-3) 10-8 following a tense deciding set, lasting 86 minutes.
Watson, ranked 81st in the world and 35 places above her opponent, also served for the match when leading 5-4 in the second but lacked the ruthlessness to close out a contest she certainly should have won.
Brady goes on to play Russia's 14th seed Elena Vesnina, who was a surprise semi-finalist at Wimbledon last year.
Kyle Edmund's campaign came to a tame end as he was outclassed 6-2 6-4 6-2 by Spain's Pablo Carreno Busta in the second round.
Edmund received treatment during the first set and struggled with his serve - the Melbourne sun appearing to hamper him during the latter stages of the contest - as well as squandering all six of his break points.
In contrast, 30th seed Carreno Busta barely put a foot wrong, dismantling his opponent in an hour and 46 minutes.
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