Tennis - French Open - Roland Garros, Paris, France - June 4, 2019. Britain's Johanna Konta greets the crowd after winning her quarterfinal match against Sloane Stephens of the U.S. REUTERS/Charles Platiau
PARIS (Reuters) - Jo Konta cantered into the semi-finals of the French Open on Tuesday, blitzing American Sloane Stephens 6-1 6-4 to become the first British woman into the last four in Paris since 1983.
It was a brutal performance, but one that left her feeling light of spirit: "I think happy more than anything," she smiled.
Tennis - French Open - Roland Garros, Paris, France - June 4, 2019. Britain's Johanna Konta and Sloane Stephens of the U.S. shake hands after the quarterfinal match. REUTERS/Charles Platiau
"I feel just really happy. Yeah, happy, I think, is the main word, main feeling. I feel really pleased with just how I dealt with the conditions out there and just how I gave myself space to play. I thought I played the game, which I was just really pleased with. Just happy."
Swinging freely, the 28-year-old pummelled groundstrokes past her opponent to secure the victory in a little over an hour.
Konta, who had never won a match here before this year, will face either Petra Martic or Marketa Vondrousova for a spot in the final.
Tennis - French Open - Roland Garros, Paris, France - June 4, 2019. Britain's Johanna Konta poses for a selfie after winning her quarterfinal match against Sloane Stephens of the U.S. REUTERS/Charles Platiau
"I've always said that whenever I step out onto the court, I'm always going to have a chance," Konta said.
"I'm always going to have a shot. I don't think any player on tour can go on court against me and feel like they've definitely got it.
"I definitely back myself and my ability that way."
Tennis - French Open - Roland Garros, Paris, France - June 4, 2019. Britain's Johanna Konta in action during her quarterfinal match against Sloane Stephens of the U.S. REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach
The last British woman to reach the final in Paris was Sue Barker, who lifted the trophy in 1976.
Stephens refused to rule Konta out as a champion.
"I think any of the people left in the tournament can win the tournament. I think she played really well today. Obviously it only gets tougher from here. Yeah, I think anyone that's left can win the tournament," she said.
Tennis - French Open - Roland Garros, Paris, France - June 4, 2019. Britain's Johanna Konta and Sloane Stephens of the U.S. shake hands after the quarterfinal match. REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach
(Editing by Toby Davis)
Tennis - French Open - Roland Garros, Paris, France - June 4, 2019. Britain's Johanna Konta in action during her quarterfinal match against Sloane Stephens of the U.S. REUTERS/Charles PlatiauTennis - French Open - Roland Garros, Paris, France - June 4, 2019. Britain's Johanna Konta greets the crowd after winning her quarterfinal match against Sloane Stephens of the U.S. REUTERS/Kai PfaffenbachTennis - French Open - Roland Garros, Paris, France - June 4, 2019. Britain's Johanna Konta greets the crowd after winning her quarterfinal match against Sloane Stephens of the U.S. REUTERS/Charles PlatiauTennis - French Open - Roland Garros, Paris, France - June 4, 2019. Britain's Johanna Konta in action during her quarterfinal match against Sloane Stephens of the U.S. REUTERS/Kai PfaffenbachTennis - French Open - Roland Garros, Paris, France - June 4, 2019. Britain's Johanna Konta in action during her quarterfinal match against Sloane Stephens of the U.S. REUTERS/Charles Platiau
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