Johanna Konta tops Venus Williams for first singles crown

By Janie McCauley, Associated Press

Sunday, July 24, 2016 | 6:06 p.m.

STANFORD, Calif. — Hard-hitting Johanna Konta whipped winners every which way and outslugged top-seeded Venus Williams for her first career singles title, winning the Bank of the West Classic 7-5, 5-7, 6-2 on Sunday.

Her serve and return games equally solid on another unseasonably hot day on Stanford's campus, Konta held on in the third set after squandering a 4-1 lead in the second. When Williams netted her forehand return on the third match point, Konta dropped her racket to the ground and covered her face in triumph before heading to the net for a handshake. After receiving her trophy and addressing Williams directly with a thoughtful compliment of her opponent's grace and game, Konta posed for a round of photos that this time will be all the more special.

Over the 2-hour, 18-minute match, the third-seeded Konta figured out Williams' big serve for the second time this year, standing some 10 feet behind the baseline to return it and generating pace from Williams' regular serves of well higher 100 mph.

The 25-year-old Konta also stunned Williams with the straight-set victory in the first round at this year's Australian Open.

She became the fourth-oldest first-time titlist this year. A steady serve helped carry Konta to Sunday's final. She nailed 11 aces and moved Williams all over the court with an array of powerful groundstrokes and timely drop shots.

Konta also was the first British woman to reach the final at Stanford since Virginia Wade's runner-up finish in 1981.

Williams, who was seeking her third title at Stanford, was denied career singles championship No. 50. At 49 titles, she remains second among active players only behind younger sister Serena's 71.

Venus Williams, 36, is projected to move up to No. 6 in the next rankings. She said she plans to play in Montreal next week before the Rio Olympics.

"See you all in Rio," she told the crowd following her defeat.