Konta creates history in Miami

Published by AAP

DETERMINED: Johanna Konta fires a backhand in her hard-fought quarterfinal win against Simona Halep; Getty Images

Johanna Konta has upset third seed Simona Halep 3-6 7-6(7) 6-2 to become the first British woman to reach the semifinals of the Miami Open.

Konta, the 10th seed, constructed a comeback over two and a half hours to send the favoured Romanian out in the last-eight struggle.

The Brit was on the verge of being knocked out when – after breaking Halep in the 10th game of the second set to force a tiebreak – she found herself 5-3 down.

However, three points in quick succession swung things back in Konta’s favour and she levelled up the match at a set each.

The pair combined for 13 double faults over the course of the afternoon, with Konta breaking for 3-2 in the final set to move into position for victory.

Konta next plays American veteran Venus Williams, who has scored back-to-back top 10 wins to qualify for the semifinals.

Caroline Wozniacki and Karolina Pliskova meet in tomorrow’s other semifinal.

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