Australian Open: Johanna Konta admits lack of experience cost her place in final

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 as Kerber sealed a 7-5 6-2 semi-final victory.

This was the first year Konta had ever made it into the Australian Open main draw, let alone the semis, as 12 months ago she lost in the first round of qualifying.

Kerber is more established, having made two grand slam semi-finals and two quarter-finals before, while also finishing in the world’s top 10 in each year since 2012.

“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 No 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.”

In the final Kerber will play Serena Williams, who is one win away from a record-equalling 22nd grand slam title after the top seed blew away Agnieszka Radwanska 6-0 6-4.

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