Wimbledon: Venus Williams will build on experience against Johanna Konta

Photo: Tim Ireland, Associated Press
Venus Williams has played 21 semi-finals at major tournaments.

If we had not to rely only on the past, the semi-final between Venus Williams to Johanna Konta seems much unequal.

On Thursday, the U.s. will be in his 10th semi-final at Wimbledon. For the English, this will be the first time. In fact, a player his country has not progressed as far at the All England Club in 40 years (Virginia Wade in 1977).

Williams has played 21 semi-finals at major tournaments. Konta, a single in Australia last year.

“I think certainly the experience, it helps, argues Williams, who at age 37 is in its 20th presence at Wimbledon. I can turn of this side to handle the pressure. “

Williams is seeking a sixth title on the English grass, and an eighth Grand Slam. Konta can not boast of this kind of trophies.

“What Venus and her sister have brought to our sport is fabulous, said Konta, 26 years. It is truly inspiring to see how they have developed the women’s tennis. To face him again, it is both a source of excitement and a lesson in humility. “

The other semi-final disparate?

The other semi-final also seems disparate : Garbine Muguruza, 15th in the world, against Magdaléna Rybáriková, 87th. Muguruza has been the queen of Paris in 2016, as well as a finalist at Wimbledon in 2015. Rybáriková had never progressed beyond the third round in a major tournament, in 35 trials.

“It will be the favorite, said Rybáriková. I’m there to have fun. We’ll see what happens. “

They have crossed the iron four times, dividing the honors. Muguruza won in three sets in their only previous match in a Grand Slam, in Australia four years ago. Rybáriková won their only clash on grass in two sets to Birmingham, in 2015.

Konta and Williams will be on the same field for a sixth time. Konta has had the top three times, including in Melbourne last year. Williams was, however, beaten in the month of may in Rome, on clay.

“I’ve never played against it on the turf, noted Konta. This will be a new challenge for me. “