Konta sends Venus Williams packing at Aus Open

The American seven-time grand slam champion faced a tricky test first up and it proved too much as she went down to Konta 6-4 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena.

Australia-born 24-year-old Konta had pushed Williams in a tight three-setter in Wuhan last year, but managed much better this time around.

Williams, 35, was a quarter-finalist last year and came into the 2016 edition as the eighth seed.

But she had played just one match in the lead-up, losing in Auckland, and it contributed to her undoing on Tuesday.

Konta broke serve twice in the first set before cruising to a 5-0 lead in the second, only to have to withstand a mini fightback by Williams.

Konta, who enjoyed an excellent 2015, relied heavily on her forehand, which contributed 10 of her 19 winners.

STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN

Konta bt Williams [8] 6-4 6-2

ACES

Konta - 5

Williams - 1

WINNERS/UNFORCED ERRORS

Konta - 19/17

Williams - 17/20

BREAK POINTS WON

Konta - 5/8

Williams - 2/4

FIRST SERVE PERCENTAGE

Konta - 60

Williams - 63

PERCENTAGE OF POINTS WON ON FIRST/SECOND SERVE

Konta - 71/57

Williams - 52/53

TOTAL POINTS

Konta - 59

Williams - 45