Australian Open preview and odds: Johanna Konta vs Zhang Shuai

Published on: 26/01/2016

Australian Open preview and odds: Johanna Konta vs Zhang Shuai

January 27, 2016 12:30pm - Rod Laver Arena

Australian Open - Quarter-finals

The quarter-final match-up between Zhang Shuai and Johanna Konta means that there will be at least one player outside of the World top 40 in the Australian Open semi-finals. But who will prevail?

Konta going from strength to strength

This time last year, Johanna Konta was ranked 147th in the world and failed to qualify for the Australian Open. A year later, she has broken into the top 50, and has now reached the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam event for the first time, becoming the first British player in 32 years to reach a Grand Slam quarter-final in the process.

It has not been an easy path for the Australian-born star - she had to battle back from a set down to overcome Ekaterina Makarova in the fourth round, eventually winning 4-6 6-4 8-6. Her stats have been solid across the board, highlighting her good all-round game qualities. However, the 24-year-old`s most impressive attributes have been her unshakable self-belief and focussed attitude.

Key stats from Konta`s fourth round match:

- First serve success: 51%

- Points won on first serve: 68%

- Points won on second serve: 57%

- Net points won: 57%

- Unforced errors: 43

- Returns won: 44%

- Break points won: 4 out of 12

Zhang Shuai continues to surprise

World No. 132 Zhang Shuai has already claimed some significant scalps in this tournament, having disposed of Simona Halep, Alize Cornet and Madison Keys. She now faces her fourth top 50 opponent in five matches in the shape of Britain`s Johanna Konta.

Zhang may not have been at her best in the fourth round clash with Keys, and was maybe fortunate that her opponent was suffering from an injury throughout the match. However, she can only beat the players in front of her, and so far, she has been up to the task.

Her overall game has been solid, but the 27-year-old will need to cut down on her unforced errors if she is going to beat the in-form British player.

Key stats from Zhang`s fourth round match:

- First serve success: 63%

- Points won on first serve: 67%

- Points won on second serve: 45%

- Net points won: 50%

- Unforced errors: 51

- Returns won: 35%

- Break points won: 3 out of 10

Betting odds and tips

Konta`s form has barely let up over the past six months and she is playing with the confidence of a top 10 player. Zhengs form dipped in the last game and had to rely on her opponent`s injury problems to progress.

Johann Konta 2-0 can be backed at 11/10 with Bet365

By Neil Morris

Published on: 26/01/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (26/01/2016 15:00:43) but are subject to change.