Johanna Konta vs Marketa Vondrousova
French Open
Date: Thursday, June 6 2019
Court/start time: 1pm (BST), Suzanne-Lenglen
British number one Johanna Konta goes into the French Open semi-final hoping to break a 43-year record.
The 28-year-old produced a stunning performance to beat Sloane Stephens in straight sets to become the first British woman since Jo Durie in 1983 to reach the last four at Roland Garros.
Konta can go one better if she reaches the final, something only accomplished by Sue Barker when she won the competition back in 1976.
But in her way stands the unflappable 19-year-old Marketa Vondrousova, who continues to spring surprises on her way to the last four.
The Czech teenager had never been past the second round before this year. But after thrashing 12th seed Anastasija Sevastova in the third round and beating Petra Martic in the last eight, she has shown her undeniable promise.
Having suffered two heartbreaking defeats in the semi-finals at the Australian Open and Wimbledon in her career, will it be third time lucky and a first Grand Slam final for Konta?
Start time
The second week of the French Open has been hampered by rain but the sun could come back out for this semi-final, which has an approximate start time of 1pm on Thursday, June 6.
The match venue is yet to be confirmed but is likely to take place on Suzanne-Lenglen, one of the two showcourts at Roland Garros.
TV, online and live stream information
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You will be able to follow all the action from Paris with Standard Sport's dedicated LIVE blog.
Head to Head record
Konta will be brimming with confidence heading into this clash - and not just because of her stellar performance in the quarter-final.
The Brit beat Vondrousova in their last meeting at the Rome Masters last month, triumphing in three sets in Italy, before losing in the final.
But the 19-year-old won their first-ever meeting at Indian Wells and can take some solace from her run to the last four.
Betting tips via Betfair | UK users only | Odds subject to change
- Johanna Konta to win: 3/4
- Marketa Vondrousova to win: 11/10
Click here for the latest odds for the French Open. Odds correct as of 05/06/19.
Prediction
Winner: Johanna Konta
It's difficult to see anyone standing in Konta's way if she can replicate the performance she produced against Stephens in the last round. The aggression and power she displayed was too much for her opponent then and it woulld likle y be too much for Vondrousova.
But the Czech is likely to give a good account of herself, given her performances so far and the fact she is left-handed could present some problems for Konta. It should make a for compelling semi-final, one that Konta will be desperate to win after her previous disappointment.
