Seven-time grand slam winner Venus Williams exacted revenge on reigning Miami Open champion Johanna Konta on Monday with a superlative display to book her place in the quarterfinals.
In a repeat of last year’s semifinal – which was won by the British No1Konta – it was the 37-year-old American who showed no signs of fatigue to power home 5-7, 6-1, 6-2 in two hours and 19 minutes.
The three-time Key Biscayne champion now faces either Monica Puig or American Danielle Collins.
It was an impressive display by the veteran Williams who seemed puzzled when quizzed about her longevity.
“I don’t see what 37 years old has to do with it,” said Williams. “She couldn’t get a rhythm to her game which helped me, but everyone I play makes it tough against me so there are no easy matches.”
Williams also had to work hard in a three-hour battle on Sunday for her passage into the fourth round, fighting off three match points before eventually seeing off Kiki Bertens.
It was the Briton who started the more assuredly on Monday. Konta broke the Williams straight away to set down an early marker in their first meeting since the semifinals at Wimbledon last summer which resulted in home heartbreak for the 26-year-old.
‘Appreciate players who fight’
Williams faced more break points in the third, although this time the danger was averted, thanks to some powerful serves.
“You have to fight for every point,” she said. “Everyone is so good now. I feel very focused.”
Just when the erratic Konta needed to put her foot on the accelerator, it was William who responded superbly to put her opponent firmly on the backfoot.
Indeed, Konta’s game seemed to totally desert her. She hit just one winner in the second set as the American began to dominate and send the encounter into a decider, which began with Konta receiving lengthy treatment for a back problem.
“My body didn’t adapt to the conditions – it was quite swirly out there – and that puts strain on your body,” said Konta.
“It wasn’t so much a back injury. It was a muscle spasm more than anything else. I just wanted to make sure it didn’t turn into something serious.”
Konta, who has now slipped from No14 to No22 in the world, added: “You always have to appreciate players who fight through matches like she does, especially considering how long she’s been playing.”
Williams will be joined in the quarters by compatriot Sloane Stephens, who powered past world No3 Garbine Muguruza as the seeds continued to fall.
US Open champion Stephens dominated Spain’s reigning Wimbledon champion Muguruza to record a 6-3, 6-4 win.
Stephens, the world No12, will face Germany’s Angelique Kerber for a place in the semifinals.
Kerber made to sweat
Muguruza had been the highest ranked player left in the women’s draw following the early exits of world No1 Simona Halep and Caroline Wozniacki.
Meanwhile, former world No1 Kerber was made to sweat in her gruelling clash with China’s Wang Yafan before prevailing 6-7 (1/7), 7-6 (7/5), 6-3.
Earlier on Monday, Czech fifth seed Karolina Pliskova booked her place in the last eight after opponent Zarina Diyas retired in the second set.
Pliskova was leading 6-2, 2-1 when the Kazakh player abandoned with an injury.
Elsewhere, former world No1 Victoria Azarenka saw off Agnieszka Radwanska 6-2 6-2.
