Australian Open: Johanna Konta’s remarkable run ends at the semi-final stage
Johanna Konta's dream run at the Australian Open ended at the semi-final stage as she lost in straight sets to Germany's Angelique Kerber on Thursday.
Konta was bidding to become the first female British Grand Slam finalist since Virginia Wade won Wimbledon 39 years ago but her hopes were dashed by a clinical Kerber, who sealed a 7-5 6-2 victory.
It has still been a remarkable tournament for the 24-year-old, who last year didn't even make into the Australian Open main draw after losing in the first round of qualifying.
Konta admitted her lack of experience was crucial against Kerber, the seventh seed, who will face Serena Williams in the final.
"She definitely played with that little bit more experience than I did," Konta said.
"She's an incredibly tough player. I think she's one of the, if not the most consistent player on the tour and that's no secret.
"She really makes every single ball possible and makes you work for every single point.
"But I really enjoyed my experience out there. I'm really looking forward to the chance of playing her again soon."
Konta, the self-professed "female Jason Bourne", has tackled many a foreign foe in recent months and, despite this defeat, takes only positives from a glorious tournament, which will see her break the world's top 30 and likely be seeded at the French Open.
It seems a world away from last year when Konta was ranked 141st in the world and was stewing over defeat to China's world number 132 Lin Zhu in qualification.
"I don't feel very different," Konta said.
"Both times I was looking forward to going home to see my family.
"I go home to see my parents, spend some time in my own bed. That stays the same.
"It depends what you view as disappointment. I don't live my life and feel my happiness or joy on my wins and losses."
Konta had been hoping to extend Britain's excellent showing at the first grand slam of the year, with Andy Murray playing Milos Raonic on Friday in the semi-finals of the singles and Jamie Murray making it through to the doubles final alongside Brazilian Bruno Soares.