Johanna Konta

[Teresa]

Excellent win for her. She fights to the bitter end. How secure is that 8 Th place in the race?

[david1610]

Yes. Well done! :dance:

[harriet]

well done Jo, 3 tight sets 7-6, 4-6, 6-4, 2.35 hrs

[hfwardhouse]

Fantastic. Well done Jo!

[JerryD]

Another great win from jo

[JAMES4578]

Tight match but great performance from Jo to get the win and reach final , awesome!:clap::clap::swingin::cheer:

[RosieBear]

Awesome win for Jo to reach final and top 10 - wahey! :yahoo:

[roytennisfan]

Awesome win for Jo to reach final and top 10 - wahey! :yahoo:

1 CH Angelique Kerber 28.7 GER1 8390 - -95 - Lost in Beijing R16 - -
2 1 Serena Williams 35 USA1 7050 - - - - - -
3 2 Agnieszka Radwanska 27.5 POL1 5535 - - Beijing SF - 5795 6145
4 2 Simona Halep 25 ROU1 5097 +1 +110 - Lost in Beijing R16 - -
5 NCH
(6) Karolina Pliskova 24.5 CZE1 4450 +1 +110 - Lost in Beijing R16 - -
6 2 Garbine Muguruza 23 ESP1 4366 -2 -880 - Lost in Beijing R16 - -
7 NCH Madison Keys 21.6 USA2 3687 +2 +270 - Lost in Beijing SF - -
8 2 Svetlana Kuznetsova 31.2 RUS1 3540 -1 - - Lost in Beijing R16 - -
9 NCH (13)Johanna Konta 25.3 GBR1 3455 +5 +620 Beijing F - 3805 3805
10 8 Dominika Cibulkova 27.4 SVK1 3445 -2 -55 - Lost in Beijing R32 - -

[jagmad]

SPECTACULAR.
Well done Jo you're a star.:yahoo::yahoo::GBflag::yahoo::yahoo:

[supergran]

So pleased for Jo and hope she wins tomorrow. Fantastic progress.:GBflag::bravo::cheer::cheer::cheer:

[roytennisfan]

So pleased for Jo and hope she wins tomorrow. Fantastic progress.:GBflag::bravo::cheer::cheer::cheer:

A win tomorrow would be fantastic and would move Jo to 7 in the world and (virtually) qualify Jo for Singapore

WTA Championships Qualification Cut 3815
6 Garbine Muguruza 23 ESP1 3678 - +120 - Lost in Beijing R16 - -
7 Madison Keys 21.6 USA2 3527 +1 +390 - Lost in Beijing SF - -
8 Johanna Konta 25.3 GBR1 3455 +3 +620 Beijing F - 3805 3805
9 Dominika Cibulkova 27.4 SVK1 3445 -2 -50 - Lost in Beijing R32 - -
10 Carla Suarez Navarro 28 ESP2 3062 -1 +10 - Lost in Beijing R64 - -

[roytennisfan]

It's looking like Jo will be playing Radwanska who is a set and a break (5-3) up, Jo will be on not before 9.30 tomorrow, Andy on later (12.30)

edit: confirmed 6-3 Radwanska

[Bardot]

For reaching the final, Jo is guaranteed $556,440 and should she win it's a whopping $1,111,945 which is almost half her career earnings. By comparison, the men's champion receives $663,575. So much for equal pay. ;)

[Jan]

Sadly I will miss Johanna's match, but hope to be back to see most of Andy's.
:GBflag::GBflag:

[rouges]

:bravo::bravo::cheer::clap::clap::clap: Best of Luck for tomorrow Johanna. :thumbup::thumbup:

[Alis]

For reaching the final, Jo is guaranteed $556,440 and should she win it's a whopping $1,111,945 which is almost half her career earnings. By comparison, the men's champion receives $663,575. So much for equal pay. ;)

I believe this tournament is a Premier Mandatory tournament for the women - which I think is the next rung down from the Majors, so equivalent to a Masters 1000 for the men. The men's tournament is a 500, so two rungs down from the Majors, which maybe explains the discrepancy in the prize money. It would certainly be a real feather in Johanna's cap if she managed to beat Radwanska and win this one.

[Stell]

I think it will be very a tough match for Jo and I would like to see her win.

[Linda]

I'm sure we would all like to see her win!

[Alis]

Normally, I would be supporting Aga because I love her style but not tomorrow - it's Jo all the way!!

[HoopGirl]

Wow - just caught up with Johannas results - just fantastic! Go Jo!

[Caro]

Don't have BT sport and away for the weekend anyway so won't be able to watch but go Jo!!!

[Jane]

Wishing Johanna all the best of luck :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

[Jane]

Players warming up

[RosieBear]

Got past the big hitting Keys brilliantly, but a very different challenge from Aga today - sooo canny and clever but really hope Jo can work it out. Good luck, Jo!! :cheer:

[roytennisfan]

Cmon jo solid hold

[Teresa]

Just been broken 2:1 to AR:-(

[RosieBear]

Ach - totally disguised dropper from Aga, and there's the break. Aga's deadly. C'mon Jo!!

[roytennisfan]

Looking tough for Jo 1-3

[Alis]

C'mon Jo - a must hold here.

[Stell]

1 - 3 in the first set against Radwanska.

[Alis]

Well held, Jo.

[Stell]

2 - 3. Her coach is now telling her what to do. It reminds me of Brisbane, but you wouldn't see Lendl coming down to tell Andy what to do.

[Alis]

No, but it's accepted practice in the women's game and I always find it quite interesting hearing what the coaches have to say - that's if I can understand it, of course.

[Stell]

3 - 5.

[Jane]

4-5 come on Jo

[roytennisfan]

Oh Jo, missed two great chances for 5-5, tough 4-6

[Jane]

Jo loses the first set 4-6:crying:

[harriet]

rats, first set lost 4-6, Jo could not hold serve at 4-5

[Stell]

Shame Jo couldn't break back.

[RosieBear]

Oh Jo, not one but two howlers.:facepalm: Nevermind - keep going, Jo - believe!

[roytennisfan]

Cmon Jo Hold!

[roytennisfan]

Wow just in ace saved bp

[roytennisfan]

Jo gets an overhead in

[roytennisfan]

Jo gets an overhead in

And another holds 1-0

[harriet]

Jo serving first this set, held serve for 1-0, after several deuce points

[harriet]

is there a stream?

[Jane]

Bet 365. but it is very small. You have to make a deposit, which I did years ago, in order to view. I only use it when matches are not on tv.

[Alis]

0-30 - c'mon Jo!

[lynne]

is there a stream?

Hope it works for you..........http://crichd.tv/bt-sport-2-live-stream-hduk.php

[Alis]

0-40 - she's just over-hitting.

[Alis]

Better serving saves three break points - c'mon!

[Alis]

Bad luck with a net cord gives Aga another break point.

[Alis]

Saves another - c'mon!

[roytennisfan]

Bet 365. but it is very small. You have to make a deposit, which I did years ago, in order to view. I only use it when matches are not on tv.

It is possible to feed it to a large tv screen either with cable or a feed device like Roku

[Alis]

Rats - there's the break.

[roytennisfan]

Oh no two massive hits to break Jo, both almost on baseline

[Stell]

On her fifth break point, Radwanska breaks Jo's serve.

As Jo's playing (Naomi) Broady, in the first round in Hong Kong, I've already got Jo in the second round.

[Alis]

On her fifth break point, Radwanska breaks Jo's serve.

As Jo's playing (Naomi) Broady, in the first round in Hong Kong, I've already got Jo in the second round.

Naomi is a difficult opponent these days - it might not be plain sailing for Jo. Meanwhile, Jo serves two double faults in succession and is break point down again.

[Alis]

............ and there's the double break - helped enormously by Jo's two double faults.

[Stell]

I think the American male commentator should join Castle and Lloyd, as he started talking about what happened in 1984 (when Jo Durie was in the top ten).

[JAMES4578]

Unfortunately looks like final slipping away from Jo now (though she almost recovered in 1st),going for too much at times though Radwanska showing some great form.

[Jane]

Something wrong with the lights!!!

[Jane]

Jo loses the match, but it has been a great week for her, getting into the top ten. Very well done :clap: :clap: :clap:

[RosieBear]

Bad luck Jo :sad: Not to be today, but no shame in losing to Aga the magician, and a great effort to reach top 10. Excellent week all in all :clap::clap::clap:

[lynne]

Shame, but as been said a great week for Johanna...onwards & upwards!!!:boogie:

[Alis]

Aga was at her brilliant best today - absolutely no disgrace to lose to her. Jo kept fighting and will only gain from the experience. Her first Premier Mandatory final and she looks as though she belongs in the top ten - well done, Jo!!:dance::dance::dance:

[roytennisfan]

What a really enjoyable match, Jo played very well at times against an opponent who made so few unforced errors.

On to Hong Kong for Jo with Naomi waiting in first round, Reckon she must reach semi final at least to have a chance of getting to finals. Possible opp qf Wozniaki(5) sf Venus(2) or Jankovich(7) f Kerber(1) Jo is 3rd seed

Cibulkova is only 10 points behind and playing Moscow(470) which Jo isn't. Keys is 72 points above Jo but not down to play so 110 for a Semi would take Jo above her. Suarez Navarro is 393 behind Jo but playing both Linz(280) and Moscow(470) and would need some big points

Edit: Keys now playing in Linz, couldn't imagine her sitting out the next 2 weeks when needing the points

[harriet]

the beeb sports page has a text running commentary and summaries by russell fuller, must remember that for future

[supergran]

Aga played well and deserved the win. I'm sure Jo will continue to make progress and hopefully improve on those overhead smashes. :big grin: We'll see her in more finals. She certainly looked very happy during the presentation.Well done on a good week.:clap::GBflag:

[JAMES4578]

Pity Jo couldn't find way back but Certainly Aga was amazing today and deserved the win. To her credit Jo kept fighting but just didn't have enough,a few unfortunate errors but she was under pressure. Still a great week and fab to be in top 10!

[Jan]

Great week for Johanna!

[patmoren]

Shame for Jo but on a learning curve up to No 9 in rankings can't be bad!

[Teresa]

Shame for her, but you expect the number 3 to win. She non the less has had a great week, and hopefully between this week and the next tournament she will book her place in the season finale. Many positives from this week. Well done.

[sir coolerking]

Cibulkova is only 10 points behind and playing Moscow(470) which Jo isn't. Keys is 72 points above Jo but not down to play so 110 for a Semi would take Jo above her. Suarez Navarro is 393 behind Jo but playing both Linz(280) and Moscow(470) and would need some big points

Both Keys and Cibulkova are playing in Linz this week as wildcards. It's even more complicated for Cilbulkova and Jo who have the full allocation of tournaments so cannot add the full amount of points they win. The story is worse for Cibulkova who cannot add any points I believe unless she makes the semi (possibly a small number for QF).

[roytennisfan]

Both Keys and Cibulkova are playing in Linz this week as wildcards. It's even more complicated for Cilbulkova and Jo who have the full allocation of tournaments so cannot add the full amount of points they win. The story is worse for Cibulkova who cannot add any points I believe unless she makes the semi (possibly a small number for QF).

Agreed it is very tight but there are not so many ranked players this week split between the 3 locations so it is much easier to make the sf or final. Them entering as wildcards had picked up Keys was at Linz and put an edit on my posting, missed that Cibulkova is there as well but she had more chance of points in Moscow with it being a 470 and the current entry list only has Pliskova ranked higher than her.

BTW Jo is on last about lunchtime tomorrow against Naomi

[sir coolerking]

I think Keys is pretty certain to be in Singapore, between Jo and Cibulkova for the last spot. The draw has not been kind to Jo with Wozniacki as a potential QF opponent significantly tougher than anyone else. I think she needs to win this tournament to have any chance with Cibulkova likely to earn more points in Moscow. I take it there's no chance of a WC for Jo there?

[roytennisfan]

I think Keys is pretty certain to be in Singapore, between Jo and Cibulkova for the last spot. The draw has not been kind to Jo with Wozniacki as a potential QF opponent significantly tougher than anyone else. I think she needs to win this tournament to have any chance with Cibulkova likely to earn more points in Moscow. I take it there's no chance of a WC for Jo there?

I agree it seems some points in Linz and Keys is almost there (she can collect all the points), Jo gets none for beating Naomi dropping her first 55 points in Hong Kong, Cibulkova drops her first 100 points in Linz (sf would add 10, the current difference). Both Suarez Navarro -397 Linz and Kuznetsova -440 Tianjin collect all their points but seem too far behind and would need 2 good tournaments with Moscow being more important.
Kuznetsova will almost certainly get the wc for Moscow, unlikely Jo will, if Kuznetsova can repeat last years win there, she is definitely in the mix

[Jan]

Johanna beats Naomi 6-2 6-2 :clap::clap:
Nice solid performance from Johanna. Almost any other opponent and I'd have been rooting for Naomi!

[goldfish]

Jo is up for 'Most improved player of 2016' on WTA site.

VOTE NOW

[Jan]

Jo is up for 'Most improved player of 2016' on WTA site.

VOTE NOW
Thanks - done!

[jackie55]

Voted, thanks

[anor]

Thanks, voted!

[WimbledonWestie]

Voted

[roytennisfan]

Jo is on at 8am tomorrow v Wang, first on centre court

kuznetsova won in Tiajin.
Keys, Cibulkova, Muguruza and Suarez-Navarro all won in Linz and are seeded to reach sf at least, Keys now +102 looking pretty safe with 7th

Unfortunatey Keys is in Muguruza's half so either Cibulkova or Suarez Navarro likely to make the final, at least

[Teresa]

Jo has withdrawn from her match against Wang. No idea why.

[roytennisfan]

No idea, saw it marked as a wo, hope it is nothing serious, obviously means Jo unlikely to be in Singapore

[Sallydaisy]

Abdominal strain.


DavidLaw Retweeted (https://twitter.com/DavidLawTennis) HK Tennis Open ‏@HKTennisOpen (https://twitter.com/HKTennisOpen) 2m2 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/HKTennisOpen/status/786474271392407556) Eastern District, Hong Kong (https://twitter.com/search?q=place%3A01f975a94dcb980c)
Third seed @JoKonta91 (https://twitter.com/JoKonta91) of Great Britain withdrew from her second round match against China's Wang Qiang due to an abdominal strain.

[Jan]

Poor Johanna. Hope it's not too serious.

[anor]

An abdominal strain is being given as the reason. What bad luck for Johanna when she is chasing points.

[roytennisfan]

Abdominal strain.
Took them some time to tell us, just seen that and a British Tennis one which followed. Hopefully Jo will now rest after a hectic time recently and will recover quickly

[roytennisfan]

DavidLaw ‏@DavidLawTennis 16m16 minutes ago
No word on severity of Konta abdominal strain.

Less than 2 weeks until Singapore. She has a 10 point gap on Cibulkova who plays today.

[roytennisfan]

If Jo misses out on Singapore, Zhuhai WTA elite trophy is a week later (starting 1st Nov) for numbers 9-20, quite a lot of points available plus a real chance of Jo winning it. Not a bad fallback option, more time to recover as well.

[roytennisfan]

Confirmed no wc for Jo for Moscow, she will not make Singapore unless Serena pulls out, apparently she rejected a wc

[JAMES4578]

Pity about the abdominal strain and unlikely to make Singapore now but best not to take any chances,still great year overall!

[Alis]

Didn't Jo have the same sort of injury after the Oz Open?

[anor]

Yes she did, Alis. I remember she pulled out of the Fed Cup because of it.

[sir coolerking]

So Serena has pulled out of Singapore meaning that the number 9 seed will now qualify. Jo sits in that spot and the only way she will be beaten is if either Kuznetsova or Suarez Navarro win Moscow. They are seeded 1 and 2 although both will have endured the flight from China yesterday.

[themass15]

Johanna may not be fit to compete even if Kuznetsova or Suarez Navarro don't win.

[roytennisfan]

She refused the wc for Moscow so it's difficult to tell if she will be ready. Kuznetsova is the defending champion in Moscow and even if she doesn't win, think Suarez Navarro probably will

[sir coolerking]

I can't see Suarez winning on current form on a hard court. There's a few in form players lurking in that draw and certainly Kuznetsova is likely to have a tough start against Cornet.

[sir coolerking]

Suarez Navarro is a set and 3-0 down to Gavrilova. If the Russian Aussie can finish the job off then it will leave just Kuznetsova with the opportunity to grab the last Singapore spot from Jo. She plays next against Cornet.

[roytennisfan]

Suarez Navarro did in fact retire at 0-3 so just Reigning Moscow champion Kuznetsova to worry about (and injury, anyone seen any updates on Jo?)

[sir coolerking]

Kuznetsova is through to the QF's after a tight but straight sets win over Cornet. It seems a nightmare that we may not know the 8th player in Singapore till Saturday with it due to start on Sunday. If Jo does plan on playing, would she be flying out now? I noticed that Radwanska and Kerber are already there and doing a spot of retail therapy yesterday.

[themass15]

We still do not know if Jo is fit enough to play but he she would be due to go as the alternate anyway.

[sir coolerking]

Having served for the match Kuznetsova now finds herself 1 set all with Babos. If Kuznetsova did get through she'd meet the in form Svitolina in the semis.

But we still don't know if Jo is fit enough to take a spot in Singapore anyway............which brings Suarez Navarro back into the reckoning...........except she retired injured yesterday..........so Kuznetsova might qualify no matter what!!

[Jan]

Johanna is in Singapore:

Mike Dickson ‏@Mike_Dickson_DM 17m17 minutes ago

"I'm told Jo Konta is fit again and in Singapore. Kuznetsova now in deciding set in Moscow. Needs to win it to displace JoKo from WTA Champs."

[goldfish]

Kuznetsova won the deciding set. Needs two more wins to overtake Jo. Apparently Jo practised at the NTC before heading to Singapore so seems OK to compete. Nail biting.

[sir coolerking]

Svitolina looked very impressive when winning earlier and I'd have her as favourite to beat Kuznetsova. Fingers crossed........

[roytennisfan]

Svitolina looked very impressive when winning earlier and I'd have her as favourite to beat Kuznetsova. Fingers crossed........

Svitolina is the only one left with a chance, if Kuznetsova beats her, she will definitely win the final

[themass15]

Fingers crossed for Jo.

[JAMES4578]

Certainly encouraging that Jo has recovered, would be great if she ends making the final place but bit of a waiting game.

[sir coolerking]

Strong start by Kuznetsova who is up a double break in the first set.

[Alis]

Svitolina serving for the second set - c'mon Elina!

[Alis]

Oh dear - 0-40.

[Alis]

Back to duece.

[Alis]

Drat ! Kuznetsova breaks back.

[roytennisfan]

Back to 5-5

[themass15]

Jo's participation hanging by a thread

[Alis]

Svitolina hangs on to force the tie break - c'mon Elina!

[Alis]

4-2 Svitolina.

[Alis]

Svitolina takes the tie break 7-2 - into the decider.

[roytennisfan]

Into the decider with that tb win Svitolina in the ascendancy

[roytennisfan]

Oh dear she won

[roytennisfan]

Now it's down to either Georges or Gavrilova to win the final, wish I was more hopeful

[lynne]

WTA...........




.
@JoKonta91 wins #WTA Most Improved Player of the year!




https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CvSsAWjVMAIBo4e.jpg




:clap::clap::clap:

[Alis]

So glad Jo won the most improved player award - she richly deserves it. However, I can't see either Goerges or Gavrilova beating Kuznetsova - unless she has an off day - so it would seem that Jo will be the first alternate for Singapore. Still an amazing achievement to finish the year in the top ten.

[Jan]

Yes - very well deserved award!
I'm not sure any of us would have predicted a top-10 finish for Johanna - it's been an incredible year for her, whether she actually gets to play in Singapore or not.

[roytennisfan]

Yes - very well deserved award!
I'm not sure any of us would have predicted a top-10 finish for Johanna - it's been an incredible year for her, whether she actually gets to play in Singapore or not.

Agreed, plus there is still the elite event (rankings 9-20) the following week and a fit Jo must have a chance of winning it

[roytennisfan]

Timetable for Singapore

Schedule

Sunday 10am UK
Halep vs. Keys
12.30pm
Kerber vs. Cibulkova

Monday 12.30pm UK
Konta/Kuznetsova vs. Radwanska
Pliskova vs. Muguruza

[patlowe]

Would there be any chance Kuznetsova will be tired tomorrow? She's had a run of close 3 set matches!:whistle::hmm:

[Alis]

You never know - we can hope!

[JAMES4578]

Unfortunately Jo's chance seems to be slipping away,Svetlana up 6-2,4-1.

[Jan]

Sveta wins.
I'm not really into wishing people fall ill............

[roytennisfan]

Unfortunately, I thought that result was a foregone conclusion, bet Jo did as well

[Stell]

What a pity for Jo.

[Alis]

Svetlana played amazingly well in Moscow - she was a woman on a mission. If Serena hadn't withdrawn neither Jo nor Svetlana would have qualified anyway. It's a pity but Jo has achieved so much this year that I'm sure she won't be too disappointed.

[themass15]

Bad luck for Jo being pipped at the last moment.

[Helen40]

Have they actually started yet? Is there still a chance that Jo will get to play?

[themass15]

Jo will be first alternate so will only play if one of the other 8 get injured. Also Jo will be on Sportsweek with Gary Richardson next Sunday 9 - 10 a.m. on Radio 5 Live.

[david1610]

I still feel not qualifying was good. Now she has a longer off season and does not run the risk of being wiped out at the playoffs. I suppose you could argue she could have gone up to the next level, but finishing the year top ten is an astonishing achievement and the platform she can build on for next year!

[sir coolerking]

Jo will be in China next week for the Elite Trophy (players ranked 9-20). Lots of points available in that tournament.

[Caro]

Very strange having tournaments after the 'end of season' finals! :confused:

[roytennisfan]

DavidLaw ‏@DavidLawTennis 35m35 minutes ago
Breaking.

BT Sport just agreed to screen the Zhuhai Elite Trophy.

Starts on Tuesday.

Jo Konta's final tournament of the year.

[Alis]

Well done BT Sport!

[roytennisfan]

DavidLaw ‏@DavidLawTennis 4h4 hours ago
DavidLaw Retweeted WTA Insider
Konta has drawn Stosur and Garcia in Zhuhai.

She's the top seed.

Live on @BTsport 1 from Tuesday at 7.30am.

[sir coolerking]

The winners from 4 groups go through to the semis. Jo is not playing till at least Wednesday.

[Alis]

DavidLaw ‏@DavidLawTennis 4h4 hours ago
DavidLaw Retweeted WTA Insider
Konta has drawn Stosur and Garcia in Zhuhai.

She's the top seed.

Live on @BTsport 1 from Tuesday at 7.30am.

That doesn't look like a bad draw to me.

[sir coolerking]

Jo plays Stosur tomorrow at roughly 9am UK time.

[Jane]

J0 leading 4-0 in the first set

[Jane]

4-2

[Jane]

First set to Jo - 6-4 :dance: :dance:

[Jane]

Jo leads 3-0 in the second set

[sir coolerking]

And now 3-0 (double break) up in the second set. Playing really well.

[Jane]

Jo wins the match - 6-4, 6-2 - very well played :yahoo::yahoo:

[sir coolerking]

Superb performance, way too good for Stosur. It's Stosur v Garcia tomorrow and then Jo v Garcia on Fri. A win there for the semi final spot, although depending on what happens tomorrow she may only need to win a set to guarantee it.

[Alis]

That was an excellent performance from Jo. She is so calm, focused and confident at the moment - I am impressed!:clap::clap::clap:

[Jan]

Fantastic win by Johanna!
Shame I had to miss it.
She's doing so well, it's brilliant!

[patlowe]

Fantastic win by Johanna!
Shame I had to miss it.
She's doing so well, it's brilliant!
+1

[jagmad]

That was an excellent performance from Jo. She is so calm, focused and confident at the moment - I am impressed!:clap::clap::clap:

+1
:cheer::bravo:

[roytennisfan]

Keep it up Jo, a very winnable tournament

[themass15]

It would be lovely to see Jo end the season on a high.

[sir coolerking]

According to the Beeb she can go to Number 8 if she wins this tournament (the points she can win wouldn't actually overtake anyone). But I think Kuznetsova and Keys will drop points from this tournament last year.

[patmoren]

That was a very dominant match by Joko, she has obviously recovered from the abdominal injury.

[sir coolerking]

Garcia beat Stosur in straight sets, so it's basically a QF between Jo and Garcia tomorrow. Winner goes through to the semis, it's on about 8.30-9am ish.

[JAMES4578]

Looks like Jo playing well though doesn't look Stosur in the best of form, of course taking nothing for granted but should have the advantage against Garcia.

[Jan]

Johanna has an early break vs Garcia *2-1

[Jane]

First set to Jo - 6-2 :boogie: :boogie:

[Jan]

excellent!

[Jan]

This is great!
Jo is *4-1 up in the seond.

[Jane]

Jo wins the match - 6-2, 6-2 Very well done :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo:

[Jan]

Argh I have to go out - had hoped Jo would finish this off before I had to leave.
Hope it's good news when I get back!

[Jan]

Oh you're ahead of me - it's good news now!!
:clap::clap:

[Alis]

Another fantastic win - well done Johanna!!:yahoo::yahoo::yahoo:

[roytennisfan]

Another excellent win by Jo, Svitolina next in Semi Final

[patlowe]

A hard hitting match. Jo well up to it.

[JAMES4578]

Certainly was very comfortable win for Jo, let's hope it goes well against Svitolina. Other semi is Kvitova v Zhang.

[roytennisfan]

Jo will be on about 10 v Svitolina (after 8.30 Kvitova v Zhang)

[Jane]

Jo on court now score 1-1

[roytennisfan]

Jo hitting lovely angled winners 4-2

[roytennisfan]

db 5-2

[Jane]

First set to Jo :dance:

[Jan]

:clap:

[roytennisfan]

Well done Jo 6-2 but need to raise up this set 0-1 0-30

[roytennisfan]

a very poor service game 0-2 Jo definitely dropped a level. Cmon Jo

[roytennisfan]

Some loose shots 0-3

[Alis]

a very poor service game 0-2 Jo definitely dropped a level. Cmon Jo

I'm not so sure that Jo has dropped her level, I think it's that Svitolina has definitely raised hers. Hopefully, Jo will find a way to respond.

[roytennisfan]

I'm not so sure that Jo has dropped her level, I think it's that Svitolina has definitely raised hers. Hopefully, Jo will find a way to respond.

Look at the winners/unforced errors, so many unforced errors in set2, hardly had any in set1

[cazza99]

I there a live stream?

[Jane]

Oh dear - one set all!!! Come on JO!!!

[roytennisfan]

1-6 Jo started poorly with lots of ue's in first three games, Svitolina improved throughout the set and really has momentum now

[Jan]

I there a live stream?
http://live.shwidget.com/static/freeplayer/4170552111394420.html

[roytennisfan]

Holds 1-0 bit of a struggle but at least Jo back to hitting winners

[roytennisfan]

1-1 30-30 cmon Jo

[Jennan]

jo breaks

[Jennan]

Unfortunately Jo is broken back.

[Jennan]

Now 3 all

[Stell]

3 - 3 in the third and final set.

[roytennisfan]

Cmon Jo hold...no more drop shots please

[Jennan]

Jo serve broken again

[Stell]

Svitolina breaks Jo's serve.

[roytennisfan]

Big winner bp, cmon Jo

[roytennisfan]

Oh no poor shot deuce

[Jennan]

Switolina 5/3

[roytennisfan]

3-5 looking like that was a game Jo really needed to win

[Stell]

3 - 5.

[Jane]

Oh no!! Come on JO!!

[Jane]

4-5

[Stell]

4 - 5.

[Jennan]

Good service game from Jo. Switolina serving for match. Come on Jo.

[roytennisfan]

Fighting hold 4-5 Cmon Jo ...it's now or never, put her under pressure

[Jan]

Svitolina to serve for it . Let's hope she gets nervous....

[Jane]

:crying::crying::crying:

[Jennan]

Shame for Jo but looked a bit tired. Some good tennis.

[Jan]

Not to be.
No excuses - Svitolina really upped her game.
Let's not forget that Jo's had the most fantastic year and has lots to be very proud of.
:GBflag:

[roytennisfan]

Jo fought much better in third set but unfortunately Svitolina had the momentum getting break backs straight away.

[Stell]

Thanks Jan for the link. Shame Jo couldn't win.

[david1610]

I think getting to the SF was fine. This is a somewhat made up event let's be honest and now she can have a rest and prepare for the next season!

[JAMES4578]

A pity Jo didn't quite have enough to see off Svitolina but still a good end to the season with some great results! Hoping she can do a bit better at the French and Wimbledon next season though.

[Alis]

A pity she didn't win today but what an awesome season Jo has had! I hope she has a well deserved rest and comes out fighting next season.

[Helen40]

A pity Jo didn't quite have enough to see off Svitolina but still a good end to the season with some great results! Hoping she can do a bit better at the French and Wimbledon next season though.Agreed, if she can get her clay and grass game closer to her hard court game, she'll make Singapore easily.Well done on a great season. :)

[Stell]

Is it true that Jo has split up with her coach? I heard it on radio five live, last night.

[sir coolerking]

Confirmed on the BBC. A surprising decision given her success, maybe had enough of training in Spain and prefer to come back here? She's based at Roehampton at the mo.....

[Alis]

I admit that I'm surprised too - she seems to have had an excellent relationship with this coach. I wonder why they've split when she has been doing so well.

[JAMES4578]

Whilst surprising perhaps it just felt time for a change and perhaps Spain wasn't so suitable now,most coaching relationships do eventually run their course.

[goldfish]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/38168708

Apparently the BBC updated the article today, noting the sudden death of Jo's mental coach 3 weeks ago. Very sad but must go some way to explaining the unexpected change in Jo's set-up. Very sad.

[JAMES4578]

Certainly very sad news and looks like it was certainly a factor in changing the set up.

[Jan]

oh my that's very sad.

[Alis]

I'm sure that news will hit Jo very hard.

[cazza99]

Mail - (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-3992290/British-No-1-Jo-Konta-suffers-anguish-mind-guru-passes-away.html)British No 1 Jo Konta suffers more anguish as 'mind guru' passes away



Jo Konta confirmed on Thursday that she has split with coach Esteban Carril, but the British No 1 is also coping with the more profound blow of the sudden death of her sports psychologist.
Juan Coto, a London-based Spaniard and friend of Carril, also worked as a business coach, and died on November 12.
The cause of his death is unclear but his funeral was held earlier this week.

[Stell]

I've heard Jo's going to announce her new coach very soon.

[david1610]

Amélie might be an interesting choice if she is free.

[Jan]

Those "in the know" reckon it's Wim Fissette (who has coached Azarenka, Halep, Clijsters).

[cazza99]

Amélie might be an interesting choice if she is free.

Amelie has stepped down from being Fed Cup captain as she is expecting another child.

[roytennisfan]

Jo had an easy win earlier in Shenzhen against Buyukakcay 6-2 6-0

[Jan]

Good start
:clap:

[Pam]

Well done Jo! Keep going for it. :clap:

She's into the last eight in Shenzhen

[JAMES4578]

Certainly great turnaround from Jo to beat Vania King 6-2 in the 3rd but a slow start as was 1-6,1-3 down. Still what matters is the W, well done!

[Jan]

Excellent :clap:

[karanga]

Well done Jo. :thumbup:

[sir coolerking]

She's now the only seed left in her half of the draw, so a handy route through to the final if she can take advantage of it.

[Teresa]

Through yo the semis, defeated Piliskova in 3.

[Alis]

That's a good win - well done Jo.

[Jan]

Excellent :cheer:

[Pam]

Well done Jo! Keep going for it :clap:

[sir coolerking]

With Radwanska knocked out, she's now the highest seed left in the draw. Great opportunity to start off the year in the best possible way.

[Alis]

Who knocked out Radwanska?

[exislander]

Who knocked out Radwanska?

Alison Riske - in 3 sets

[david1610]

Watching Jo who has just been broken 4-5 in the third so Sianakova will serve for the set. Goodness me, Sianakova hits the ball hard. Do not know her but she is a real handful. (Checked: just 20 so expect her to charge up the rankings this year).
C'mon Jo!
PS She lost.

[Alis]

Oh dear, that's a pity. It would have been good for Jo to go to Oz with a title under her belt, she has a lot of points to defend there. The Czech Republic must be doing something right though - for a small country they keep producing very good players.

[Stell]

Very disappointing. I was expecting her to get to the final.