Johanna Konta loses to Coco Vandeweghe at the Aegon Classic in Birmingham

Vandeweghe sets up a quarter-final clash with Garbine Muguruza

By Sky Sports Tennis

Image: Johanna Konta had no answer to Coco Vandeweghe's power in Birmingham

Britain's Johanna Konta fell to a heavy 6-1 6-3 defeat against Coco Vandeweghe in the second round of the Aegon Classic in Birmingham.

The big-hitting American was too strong for world No 7 Konta, who will now turn her attentions to the Aegon International in Eastbourne next week ahead of Wimbledon

Konta simply had no response to Vandeweghe's power in the opening set, with the world No 30 racing through it in 24 minutes after dropping just one game.

The Brit was much improved in the second set following a mid-match pep talk with coach Wim Fissette, but she was broken in the seventh game by Vandeweghe, who took the advantage at the second time of asking.

Vandeweghe broke Konta once more to win the match, and she now faces Spaniard Garbine Muguruza for a place in the semis.

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World number five Elina Svitolina suffered defeat at the hands of Camila Giorgi, with the Italian qualifier triumphing 6-4 4-6 6-2.

After the match, Svitolina - who was the highest-ranked player in the tournament - conceded she may have to miss Wimbledon after sustaining a foot injury on the grass court.

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Image: Ukraine's Elina Svitolina fears she may have to miss Wimbledon after enduring foot problems on the grass in Birmingham

Earlier in the day, Muguruza enjoyed a straightforward 6-1 6-4 victory over American Alison Riske, while sixth seed Kristina Mladenovic beat Shuai Zhang 6-4 7-6 (7-3).

Meanwhile, Victoria Azarenka's return to competitive was halted by Ana Konjuh, who beat the former world No 1 6-1 6-3 at the Mallorca Open.

Azarenka was playing in her first tournament since June 2016, having given birth to son Leo in December.

For those on the move, we will have Eastbourne and Wimbledon covered via our website skysports.com/tennis, our app for mobile devices and iPad, or follow our Twitter account @SkySportsTennis to join in the conversation. Can Jo Konta win the All England Club title this summer? Have your say...

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