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Two surprise packets meet this afternoon as Johanna Konta and Shuai Zhang do battle for the right to progress through to the Australian Open semi-finals. Join The Roar for live scores from 12:30pm (AEDT).
Konta and Zhang are on giant-killing run thus far at the Australian Open and now they finally meet in what should be an intriguing quarter-final.
Zhang’s performances thus far at Melbourne Park prove that persistence does pay off, regardless of unfavourable results.
The Chinese qualifier had never managed to win a grand slam match prior to her stunning upset over No.2 seed Simona Halep in the first round.
Since that win, Zhang has built up some awesome momentum which allowed her to get past big-hitting American Madison Keys in the fourth round despite losing the first set.
Konta meanwhile has produced upsets against Venus Williams and Ekaterina Makerova thus far, with her win over the Russian a gruelling three-set affair.
Like Zhang, Konta plays an aggressive game and always looks to come forward and play from inside the baseline to dictate play. Her ability to return deep will also prove useful against Zhang.
If Konta wishes to make a maiden Australian Open semi-final, she would be wise to stay away from Zhang’s backhand which has been a major weapon for the Chinese qualifier.
Zhang’s confidence is at an all-time high. Her run to the quarter-finals has been more impressive than Konta’s, given her victories over seeded players and grand slam contenders Halep, Aliza Cornet and Keys.
Indeed, momentum is a wonderful thing and both Konta and Zhang possess it in abundance. Zhang’s run however has been something to behold and she is currently riding an emotional rollercoaster that has given her the belief required to win big matches.
Zhang in three sets.