Johanna Konta makes winning start at US Open

01 September 2015 05:01

British number two Johanna Konta cruised to a second grand slam victory of her career as she thrashed American wild card Louisa Chirico in the US Open first round.

Konta had only reached round two of a major tournament once before, at Flushing Meadows in 2012, but she made light work of Chirico, winning 6-3 6-0 in just one hour.

The Briton will now face either ninth seed Garbine Muguruza, who reached the Wimbledon final seven weeks ago, or Germany's Carina Witthoeft in the next round.

Muguruza, ranked ninth in the world, would certainly provide a stern test but Konta is in the form of her life, having extended a winning streak which now stands at 14 matches.

The 24-year-old has always been a sound hitter from the baseline but she has previously struggled for both the power and mental toughness to succeed in the higher echelons of the game.

This, however, was an accomplished display on Court 11 and will give Konta confidence she can do more than just qualify for the main draws at grand slams.

She claimed two breaks in the opening set to lead Chirico 5-2 and while her opponent threatened a comeback with three break points, Konta held her nerve to serve out the set.

Buoyed by her advantage, Konta was more assertive in the second set, dictating the rallies and leaving a beleaguered Chirico powerless to respond.

Three breaks created a 5-0 advantage before a wayward backhand from the young American ensured Konta became the first British player in New York to make round two.

Source: PA