9 reasons tennis pro Jo Konta is a total inspiration
Johanna Konta is Britain's number-one tennis player - and ranked number 21 in the world.
Move over Murray, there's a new national treasure getting us on our feet and shouting at the TV. Konta first picked up a racket at eight years old, and over the next 17 years has become a major force on the international tennis scene, following in the footsteps of her career hero, Steffi Graff. With Wimbledon and Rio in Johanna's sights - here's why she is one woman to be reckoned with (on or off the court):
Rex FeaturesShe’s made history
At the Australian Open in January this year she became the first British female player since 1983 to make it to a Grand Slam singles semi-final.
Rex FeaturesShe’s competitive about EVERYTHING
And is banned from playing Monopoly with her family, lest she makes her sister cry!
jokonta91/InstagramShe’s rocketed to success
Last year she was number 151 in the World Tennis Association rankings, but shot to number 21 after a run of victories. Talk about a meteoric rise.
Rex FeaturesShe’s smart about sexism
In response to Novak Djokovic’s douchebag comments, that female players should earn less than their male counterparts, Johanna said: “It will be interesting if [he’s] ever lucky enough to have a daughter - how he will explain to her that she should earn less than a man, I think that’s the only way someone could truly understand.”
Rex FeaturesShe loves Tay-tay
Johanna counts Taylor Swift as one of her girl idols. And that’s always a good thing in our books.
Rex FeaturesShe throws fruit at A-listers
She played ‘grape tennis’ with Taylor Lautner on The Jonathan Ross Show - and it was serious LOLs.
jokonta91/InstagramShe’s unashamedly ambitious
Aged nine, Johanna told her Dad she wanted to be the best tennis player in the world. That’s still her mission – and judging by her recent success, it’s well within her grasp.
@JoKonta91/TwitterShe’s honest about her highs and lows
Professional tennis is a rollercoaster and Johanna’s not afraid to admit that losing a match hits her hard. “I work with a sport psychologist, he just gives me tools to deal with whatever emotions I’m going to come up against.”
Rex FeaturesShe’s taken on Venus
And triumphed over the No.8 seed. Not many tennis players can say that.
