Konta Reaches Top 10 And Reaches Beijing Final Against Radwanska

Johanna Konta is set to become the first British woman in the Top 10 in 32 years on Monday after beating Madison Keys in three sets 7-6, 4-6, 6-4 to reach the Beijing finals.

“It’s pretty cool,” Konta said.

“I think because I’m so immersed in this tournament still, it’s obviously something that’s really humbling and really nice to hear.

“I work my hardest to be able to go into the latter stages of every tournament I play. To be able to play on the Sunday here, I think that’s what I’m most looking forward to. Yeah, really giving my best tomorrow and see where that takes me.”

The last Brit to reach the Top 10 was Jo Durie in 19741984.

“No, we haven’t spoken,” Konta said of meeting Durie. “I look forward to the opportunity when I will get to. It is kind of nice. I know I’ve achieved something good whenever I’m mentioned in the same sentence as her.”

Konta will bid for her biggest title against Agnieszka Radwanska. The Pole eased past Elina Svitolina 7-6, 6-3.

“She’s a great player,” Radwanska said. “I think she make such a progress in the last season. We just play once in Cincinnati. We had really great game. I remember I was pretty much down whole match. Just turn around in the end of the second set and be able to win that third set.

“I think I just expecting a great final, great tennis, and we’ll see.”