Johanna Konta vs Venus Williams - Wimbledon Semi-finals preview and odds

Published on: 13/07/2017

Johanna Konta vs Venus Williams - Wimbledon Semi-finals preview and odds

July 13, 2017 14:00pm - Wimbledon

Wimbledon Championships Womens Tennis

Following Andy Murray`s exit from Wimbledon, Johanna Konta will be carrying the hopes of an entire nation on her shoulders as she squares up to one of the legends of the game in Thursday`s semi-final. Meanwhile, at the age of 37, her opponent Venus Williams will continue her quest for a sixth Wimbledon crown.

World No. 7 Konta already boasts a 3-2 record against her opponent which included a win in the Stanford Classic WTA Premier event last summer and a first round win in the 2016 Australian Open. The latter match was their only ever Grand Slam meeting at they have yet to face each other on grass.

Remarkably, it has been nine years since Williams won the last of her five titles in SW19 and she would love to win another - and with her sister out of the equation, she may feel that this is her best chance to do so.

So far in this tournament, the American has relied heavily on her serve to carry her through as demonstrated so clearly in her last match against Ostapenko. However, Konta is a top returner on her day and will be keen to minimise the effect of her rival`s greatest weapon. If the British player can force the play and get some rallies going, this game could take an interesting turn.

Betting odds and tips

Having never met on grass, there is no precedent to give a clue as to what might happen here but both players are comfortable on this surface and have styles that can benefit from the conditions. They certainly won`t have to force it or play out of their comfort zone to get things going here.

In five previous meetings between the two, three matches have gone all the way and no player has been totally dominant.

The British player has already overcome some tough physical challenges in this tournament and that could help her here. She arrived here in good shape and with the crowd behind her she should have enough momentum to get over that line - but it will not be easy.

Back Over 2.5 sets at 5/4 or Konta to win 2-1 at ·11/8 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 13/07/2017

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (13/07/2017 11:03:27) but are subject to change.