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British number one beats Wozniacki to win Miami Open title

The 25-year-old British number one overpowered her Danish opponent — a former world number one — 6-4 6-3.
Johanna Konta of Britain hits a return during her Miami Open semi-final match against Venus Williams of the US, at Crandon Park Tennis Center in Key Biscayne, on March 30, 2017
Johanna Konta of Britain hits a return during her Miami Open semi-final match against Venus Williams of the US, at Crandon Park Tennis Center in Key Biscayne, on March 30, 2017

Johanna Konta took the biggest title of her career with victory over Caroline Wozniacki as she became the first British woman to win the Miami Open on Saturday.

Konta, who in June 2015 was the world number 146, will climb to seventh from 11th in the rankings — her highest yet.

She also takes home 940,000 pounds in prize money in claiming what was her third WTA Tour success from a fourth final.

Konta won her first WTA title in July 2016 at the Bank of the West Classic.

She was defeated in the China Open final in October 2016, and in January the Briton triumphed at the Sydney International without dropping a set.

But this was her first success at a higher level — the top ‘Premier Mandatory’ rung of the WTA Tour.

Having beaten Wozniacki in their only previous meeting — in straight sets at the third round of this year’s Australian Open — Konta was pre-match favourite.

And she held her nerve with a strong all-round performance to edge her opponent in a tight match.

“Thank you so much to the crowd.”

“You guys were incredible through the whole week. Miami is such an energetic city and you guys really bring that to the court.

“My whole team — thank you so much. We’re having a great time working hard and I’m looking forward to continuing to do so,”  Konta said.

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