Konta to fine-tune Wimbledon preparations at Nature Valley International in Eastbourne this week
Tuesday 26 June 2018 08:03, UK
Johanna Konta possesses the game to go further than her memorable run to last year’s Wimbledon semi-finals, says Tim Henman.
The British No 1 has struggled for consistent form this season after enduring a difficult second half to last year's campaign, which saw her win only two matches after reaching the last four at the All England Club.
Konta, who has suffered premature exits at both the Australian Open and French Open, will shoulder the majority of British hopes in the women's game at Wimbledon and has shown some encouraging signs in reaching the Nature Valley Open final in Nottingham.
"I think she can really emulate or improve on her performance last year," Henman said.
"She played fantastically well, had some unbelievable matches on Centre Court with some great atmospheres and I think she has got to use those memories, experiences from last year and try and play as well.
"She hasn't had perhaps the most consistent year but she is still a great player and hopefully she can give the British crowd something to cheer about."
Garbine Muguruza defeated Venus Williams in last year's Wimbledon final but there will be plenty of interest on Venus' sister Serena, after she was forced to withdraw injured from the French Open.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion has not played since she pulled out of a much-anticipated fourth-round encounter against Maria Sharapova at Roland Garros with a pectoral issue and it remains unclear whether the seven-time Wimbledon champion will return to full fitness in time.
"As is the case with a few of the older players, the challenge and the most important element is that they are fit and healthy," Henman said.
"Serena had her injury problems in Paris. It is amazing to see her back, having had a baby. When she is fit and healthy given her grass court record I think she is the favourite."
Henman believes there are plenty of candidates for the Venus Rosewater Dish next month, especially with the last seven majors having been won by seven different players.
He added: "On the women's side of the draw it is very open. There have been a lot of different winners of the Grand Slams in the women's game and that makes it extra exciting.
"Can Maria Sharapova win again if she is healthy? Petra Kvitova has done very well at Wimbledon in the past. There are plenty of players [in contention] so it is going to be interesting to watch."
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