Johanna Konta wins Miami WTA Premier with hard work

Johanna Konta has more grit than flash, but she’s the 2017 Miami Masters champion with a solid 6-4, 6-3 win over Caroline Wozniacki. Her run to the title included a close victory over No. 5 Simona Halep and impressive composure against resurgent semifinalist Venus Williams. She sealed match point with a delicate lob winner.

There was congratulations and respect for the new world No. 7 and first British woman to win Miami.

Konta’s rise in tennis has been an old-fashioned tale of hard work and improvement. She’s a steady attacker who takes the ball early and employs smart conservative angles. It’s irritating pressure for defenders like Wozniacki. Her evolution as the most improved player of 2016 keeps climbing to new heights.

Finally, she could sit back and beam a smile as bright as the Miami sunshine.

Then it was time to hold up her sparkling new glass trophy while the orange confetti showered upon her accomplishment.

Although many tennis fans are just discovering Konta’s tennis talents and recent status as a top contender, she has special perspective for what it means to maintain her composure. She shared her thoughts during the Australian Open on trusting her work and enjoying these opportunities, which was reposted by Christopher Clarey of the New York Times:

Konta’s next challenge will be to improve on her 2-4 mark during the European clay-court tour last year. For now, Miami will linger as the culmination of her tennis career.