MIAMI (AFP) – Seven-time grand slam winner Venus Williams exacted revenge on reigning Miami Open champion Johanna Konta on Monday with a superlative display to book her place in the quarter-finals.
In a repeat of last year’s semi-final – which was won by the British number one Konta – it was the 37-year-old American who showed no signs of fatigue to power home 5-7, 6-1, 6-2 in two hours and 19 minutes.
The three-time Key Biscayne champion now faces either Monica Puig or American Danielle Collins.
It was an impressive display by the veteran Williams who seemed puzzled when quizzed about her longevity.
“I don’t see what 37-years old has to do with it,’’ said Williams. “She couldn’t get a rhythm to her game which helped me but everyone I play makes it tough against me so there are no easy matches.’’
Williams also had to work hard in a three-hour battle on Sunday for her passage into the fourth round, fighting off three match points before eventually seeing off Kiki Bertens.
It was the Briton who started the more assuredly on Monday. Konta broke the Williams straight away to set down an early marker in their first meeting since the semi-finals at Wimbledon last summer which resulted in home heartbreak for the 26-year old.
