Williams’ dream of a fifth Wimbledon singles title remains very much alive after sending Jelena Ostapenko crashing out of the tournament with a 6-3, 7-5 win in the quarterfinals.
Williams didn’t even scout Ostapenko before the match, admitting that she barely knew of her opponent. While that sounds a bit arrogant, that’s perhaps what a ton of experience could do to a player like Williams, who’s now 37.
Williams is expecting her service game to carry her into another victory this Thursday. She has won 80 percent of his first serve points, sixth best in the tournament so far.
Unlike Ostapenko, Konta is someone Williams knew very well and didn’t have to search on Google. In fact, Williams might have a picture of the British hanging on a dartboard, as Konta has defeated the American three times in five career meetings.
Konta, who took down world number two Simona Halep in the quarters, 6-7 (2-7), 7-6 (7-5), 6-4, beat Williams earlier this year at the Miami Masters and last year at Stanford and at the Australian Open. While he lost to Williams in the two’s most recent meeting at the Rome Masters, Konta might be facing a fatigued Williams, whose age could be compounding any endurance issues.
Konta is living off of her strong return game, ranking third in the women’s side in first serve receiving points. She also tops all players in aces.
Konta is chasing history in the tournament with her aim on becoming the first British woman in 40 years to win Wimbledon.
Writer’s Prediction
Konta (-125) books a ticket to the finals with a win over Williams.
