Konta expects tough Wozniacki test

Johanna Konta expects another gruelling examination of her endurance against Caroline Wozniacki the final of the Miami Open.

Konta can reach a new career-high of No.7 in the world rankings with victory over her Danish opponent on Saturday, after becoming the first British woman to reach the final in Florida.

The British No.1 fought past Venus Williams 6-4 7-5 in Thursday’s last-four battle, then quickly admitted another tough challenge awaits.

In October Konta became the first British woman to crack the world’s top 10 since 1984, and can now restore a single-figure ranking if she can dispatch Wozniacki.

“I’m definitely going to be looking forward to playing a lot of balls and a lot of tough points,” said Konta.

“She’s one of the best athletes in the game. She ran a marathon for goodness’ sake.

“I’m sure it’ll be a match where I’ll be running for a lot of balls. Hopefully we’ll give a great match for the final.”

Konta was just six years old when Venus Williams first claimed the Miami title 19 years ago. Now 25, she racked up her third-straight win over the elder Williams sister to book the Wozniacki showdown.

Wozniacki laboured through while dropping a 62-minute first set against Karolina Pliskova before rallying to prevail 5-7 6-1-6-1.

With Venus Williams continuing to belie her 36 years, Konta conceded she was relieved to edge through.

“I think there was so little in (this match) to go either way, so I’m just very pleased that I was able to really capitalise on a few more opportunities than her,” she said.

“Every time I get to play Venus I always look forward to the battle.

“She’s also been playing such a high level so far this year. I think she’s very fit, and so I had no doubt that she was going to be there until the very, very end.”