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Johanna Konta out of the French Open after shock first-round loss to Su-Wei Hsieh
It seems extraordinary that a player could become a top-10 regular without ever having won a main-draw match at Roland Garros. But after Tuesday’s defeat at the hands of world No 109 Su-Wei Hseih, that is the status of Johanna Konta.
On paper, Hseih had looked like an ideal first-round opponent. A tiny woman by the standards of the Amazons who dominate modern tennis, she is a doubles specialist who uses guile and touch to redirect the ball in unexpected ways. Had the match been played on a hard court, she would have been cannon fodder.
But the Parisian clay behaves very differently. For Konta, it might as well be quicksand. She did hit plenty of heavy, scudding groundstrokes on Tuesday, but Hsieh would scamper after the ball like a terrier and chip it back. Then, as Konta moved up for the kill, she struggled to find a solid footing on the slippery granules. Time and again, she blared her putaway yards out of court.
The other giveaway signs were the gestures and the self-admonishment, which have rarely been seen in the two-and-a half years since Konta began her rise. “She looked extremely flustered,” said the Eurosport pundit Annabel Croft. “We saw her often looking up to the coach’s box. After that first set, her facial expressions were of terror and exasperation.”
Konta started this clay-court swing by telling one reporter that she liked the surface. She finished it, on Tuesday, by claiming that “I did improve with every single point, game, and set, and match that I played throughout the season”.
But then Konta takes the view that if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all. On difficult issues such as Maria Sharapova’s wild cards, or Ilie Nastase’s behaviour, she usually settles for some variation of “I’m here to look after my own career.”
Konta did win the first set on Tuesday, and took the second to a tie-break. At that point, though, Hsieh found a hot streak of inspiration, reeling off a series of disguised drop-shots, deft lobs and flat backhand winners. She uses two-handed groundstrokes on both sides and also has a cunning sidearm serve variation which she seems to feel slightly guilty about, admitting after the match that “I don’t know if that’s really nice or not.”
In 16 years on the tour, Hsieh had never beaten anyone ranked higher than No 20. “I have a little problem when I play these girls,” she said later. “I can get a little bit nervous.” On this occasion, though, she held her nerve in admirable style, seeing off four break points in the final game to seal victory with an unreturned serve.
A depressing stat
Elena Baltacha and Heather Watson remain the only British women to win a match at the French Open this century.
Konta out
I don't think anyone saw that coming after a hugely one-sided first set when it looked as though Konta was going to steamroll her opponent. Hsieh though hung on in there in the second set and played a wonderful tie-break to get back into the match. Ultimately Konta was not able to cope with the variety that her opponent brought to the court, and there will be question marks again over whether the Brit's game is a little one-dimensional.
But we shouldn't get too down on Konta, who is still having an excellent year and who we know struggles on clay. The defeat here continues her unwanted run of no wins at the French Open, and her attention will now turn to the grass-court season and finally having a good run at Wimbledon.
Hsieh meanwhile moves on to a second round encounter with the dangerous looking American Taylor Townsend, who was a thumping 6-4, 6-0 winner against Miyu Kato earlier on Tuesday. Whatever happens there, Hsieh should be mightily proud of a wonderfully creative and unpredictable performance today to take out the world No 8.
Game, set and match! Hsieh defeats Konta 1-6, 7-6, 6-4
So, here we go, Hsieh serving for the match. The pair exchange edgy errors at the start of the game for 15-15, before Konta moves up to 15-30 with a patiently worked point that ends with a forehand winner down the line. Hsieh then errs with a backhand and it's two break back points for Konta at 15-40. But she can't take either of them! The first sees Konta miss a forehand return, and the second is an excellent exchange that Hsieh wins with another beautiful drop shot. Konta forces another break point when Hsieh puts a hugely nervy forehand wide, but the Brit makes a forehand error of her own and the opportunity goes. Konta then gets a fourth break point, and she thinks she's taken it but her drop shot hits the top of the net tape and dribbles back onto the Brit's side of the court. Ridiculously small margins here. Hsieh then flicks away a forehand volley winner, and she's at match point! But she can't take it, as a backhand down the line flies long! Konta though misses a backhand return on the next point and it's match point number two. This time she takes it! Konta nets a forehand return, and the British No 1 is out of the French Open at the first round stage again. Wow, Konta will be absolutely devastated with that.
Konta 6-1, 6-7, 4-5 Hsieh* (*denotes next server)
Konta forces her opponent to serve out the match with a thumping love hold. How's your nerve Su-Wei?
Konta* 6-1, 6-7, 3-5 Hsieh (*denotes next server)
No service breaks in 17 games, and then all of a sudden three in a row. Can Konta respond and make it four breaks in a row? Well, she gives herself a chance when Hsieh makes a couple of errors for 30-30. But Konta misses a service return and sends a backhand wide, and Hsieh holds.
Konta 6-1, 6-7, 3-4 Hsieh* (*denotes next server) - Hsieh breaks!
Just as it looked like Konta had wrestled back the initiative, Hsieh confounds her again with some more highly unpredictable drop shots. Konta fails to cope with one to fall down 15-40 and two break points, and Hsieh takes the second one when Konta nets a backhand. The British No 1 is two games away from another first-round exit at Roland Garros.
Konta* 6-1, 6-7, 3-3 Hsieh (*denotes next server) - Konta breaks back
Another up and down game for Konta, as three excellent backhands are counter-balanced by a couple of errors and some clever Hsieh hitting. The Brit though draws a mistake from her opponent at deuce to earn herself a break point, which she takes when Hsieh nets a backhand! We're back on serve.
Konta 6-1, 6-7, 2-3 Hsieh* (*denotes next server) - Hsieh breaks!
It's a bad sign when Konta starts looking up anxiously to her box, and it's happening more and more now. A couple more errors from the Brit gift Hsieh a 0-30 lead, and it's danger signs again on the Brit's serve. Even more so now, as Hsieh skids a forehand winner up the line to move up 15-40 and earn herself two break points. And she takes the first one, as Konta nets a backhand! The Brit is broken for the first time in the match, and she is right up against it now.
Konta* 6-1, 6-7, 2-2 Hsieh (*denotes next server)
A very mixed game from Konta sees her make three backhand errors but still get to deuce thanks to some aggressive hitting on the forehand side. Hsieh completes the hold though when Konta sends a forehand long. Still no breaks of serve since the opening set.
Konta 6-1, 6-7, 2-1 Hsieh* (*denotes next server)
Even Konta's normally rock solid backhand is going slightly awry, and an error off that wing gifts Hsieh a 15-30 lead. The Brit eventually holds though after a deuce and a draining point in which Hsieh again chases down about three shots down that look like winners before finally succumbing. Konta is being made to work extremely hard for every point and game she's winning at the moment.
Konta* 6-1, 6-7, 1-1 Hsieh (*denotes next server)
Hsieh's career record against top 20 players is one win and 27 defeats. But she's rolling along nicely here against the No 7 seed, and holds to 15 to level up the third set.
Konta 6-1, 6-7, 1-0 Hsieh* (*denotes next server)
Hsieh's unpredictability and defensive skills have really got to Konta over the last few minutes, and it's going to be a test of her famed focus to stay concentrated on what she needs to do. She does that well this game, and holds to 15 with a well-placed drive volley winner.
Food for thought
Konta's off for a comfort break as she tries to come to terms with losing a set that she'll probably feel she should have won. Stunning play from Hsieh at the end there though to storm through the breaker and level the match up. I still think Konta will win this, but we've certainly got a match on our hands now.
Konta* 6-1, 6-7 Hsieh (*denotes next server) - Game and second set Hsieh!
Konta nets a backhand return and we're level at one set all. Seven points in a row for Hsieh, who played a quite brilliant tie-break and takes it 7-2. Game on!
Tie-break: Konta 2-6 Hsieh* (*denotes next server)
A backhand pass takes Hsieh to four set points.
Tie-break: Konta 2-5 Hsieh* (*denotes next server)
Oh my word! Unbelievable defence from Hsieh keeps her in the point, and she takes it with a backhand down the line that looks for all the world like it's going out but drops in in the furthest corner of the court.
Tie-break: Konta* 2-4 Hsieh (*denotes next server)
Make that four points in a row, as Konta nets a volley off a fiendishly dipping forehand pass that Hsieh sends at the Brit's shoe-laces.
Tie-break: Konta* 2-3 Hsieh (*denotes next server)
A very edgy looking Konta misses a smash, and it's three points in a row for Hsieh.
Tie-break: Konta 2-2 Hsieh* (*denotes next server)
Brilliant feel from Hsieh sees her lure Konta to the net with a drop shot and then cooly lift a lob into the open court.
Tie-break: Konta 2-1 Hsieh* (*denotes next server)
Hsieh gets the mini-break back with an excellent backhand return that she takes so early that Konta is left completely flummoxed.
Tie-break: Konta* 2-0 Hsieh (*denotes next server)
Hsieh just can't get a Konta smash back in play, and the Brit doubles her lead.
Tie-break: Konta* 1-0 Hsieh (*denotes next server)
A missed Hsieh lob gives Konta an early mini-break.
Konta 6-1, 6-6 Hsieh* (*denotes next server) - Konta saves a set point and we're into a tie-break!
Hmmm, Konta's level has certainly dropped in the last 10 minutes or so, and two errors allow her opponent into the game at 30-30. The Brit then sends a forehand wide and out of nowhere it's set point Hsieh at 30-40. Konta saves it though with a booming inside out forehand. That was very impressively handled because the ball was bouncing up at an awkward angle. Konta eventually holds after a couple more deuces, and we're into a second set tie-break.
Konta* 6-1, 5-6 Hsieh (*denotes next server) - Hsieh saves three break points and holds!
Having just said she's raised her game, Hsieh falters badly. She begins the game with a double fault, before failing to handle a couple of strong Konta returns, and all of a sudden it's 0-40, three break points for Konta. Credit Hsieh though, who saves them all with some fearless hitting from the back of the court. She then takes the next two points as well to complete a very gritty and impressive hold.
Konta 6-1, 5-5 Hsieh* (*denotes next server)
Hsieh is starting to get a bit of a read on the Konta serve, but the Brit hangs tough in a couple of long rallies and holds to 15. Hsieh has raised her game considerably this set.
Konta* 6-1, 4-5 Hsieh (*denotes next server)
After those two very dramatic games, a far more regulation one as a miscued Konta forehand gives Hsieh the hold to 15. Konta will now serve to stay in the second set.
Konta 6-1, 4-4 Hsieh* (*denotes next server) - Konta saves four break points and holds!
Well, well, well. A couple of Konta errors have her down 0-30, and Hsieh at last has the sniff of a break. The Brit slams down an ace for 15-30, but Hsieh then moves to 15-40 and two break points with a brilliant forehand return winner. Konta saves the first with an excellently deep backhand, and somehow she saves the second as well! Hsieh works the point perfectly but misses with the easiest of smashes at the net! What a let off for Konta. Hsieh then forces a third break point with a brilliant backhand return, but Konta saves it again, this time thanks to some nerveless hitting on the forehand side. Soon after Hsieh earns herself a fourth break point with a bulleted backhand winner, but again she can't take it as a she dumps a backhand into the net. Finally Konta completes the hold when Hsieh misses a forehand, and the Brit breathes a huge sigh of relief. Her first serve completely deserted her that game.
Konta* 6-1, 3-4 Hsieh (*denotes next server) - Hsieh saves a break point and holds!
My word, Hsieh looks in control at 30-15 but she makes two awful backhand errors (the second an absolute sitter) and out of nowhere Konta has a break point at 30-40. The Brit can't take it though as she nets a forehand and a mightily relieved Hsieh eventually holds on to keep her nose in front in the second set.
Konta 6-1, 3-3 Hsieh* (*denotes next server)
Hsieh at last gets a look at a few Konta serves, but after flicking away a passing shot winner for 15-15, Konta again knuckles down and takes the next three points for another service hold. The Brit's focus and intensity has been absolutely first class today.
Konta* 6-1, 2-3 Hsieh (*denotes next server)
For the second Hsieh service game in a row, the Taiwanese player holds thanks to a dead net cord on the final point. It's a more comfortable game this time, with Konta making a couple of pretty careless errors and winning just the single point. A much more competitive set, this one.
Konta 6-1, 2-2 Hsieh* (*denotes next server)
Konta is serving like a dream today, and a crunched ace out wide takes her to 30-0 en route to another love hold. The Brit has dropped just one point on her first serve all match and only four points in total during her six service games. Those are some numbers.
Being able to serve well must be so much fun.
Konta* 6-1, 1-2 Hsieh (*denotes next server)
This is really fun to watch, as Hsieh attempts to outfox her far more powerful opponent by taking the ball early and finding angles to bamboozle Konta. A few lovely backhands take the Taiwanese player to 40-30, but then Konta gives her a taste of her own medicine with some lovely feel on a drop shot to make it deuce (the first of the match). Very encouraging to see Konta playing with that kind of variety. The Brit then earns a break point when Hsieh misses a backhand, but she can't take it when Hsieh produces a brilliantly disguised drop shot. So much to enjoy in this match, and Hsieh eventually holds on thanks to a volley that benefits from a dead net cord.
Konta 6-1, 1-1 Hsieh* (*denotes next server)
What a service game for Konta, who slams down back to back aces down the T for another love hold.
Konta* 6-1, 0-1 Hsieh (*denotes next server)
Much better game from Hsieh, who begins with a feather-light drop volley and secures a hold to 15 with a couple of wonderful backhand winners.
As the stats below show that was an utterly dominant first set for Konta, who lost just one point when she got her first serve in.
Konta 6-1 Hsieh* (*denotes next server) - Game and first set Konta
Any nerves for Konta serving out the set? No chance. She cruises to a 40-0 lead and holds to 15 with a bullet serve down the T. That was 23 minutes of first-class tennis from Britain's No 1. Absolutely flawless.
Konta* 5-1 Hsieh (*denotes next server) - Konta breaks and will serve for the set!
Hsieh is trying this game to step up her aggression, but she's being absolutely pummelled by Konta. The Brit cracks forehands flying past her opponent and storms to another break of serve, this time to 15 and wrapped up with a crosscourt forehand winner.
Konta 4-1 Hsieh* (*denotes next server)
Great to see how much Konta is getting to the net, and how much success she's having with it. The Brit makes it 6/6 at the net with a forehand volley winner for 15-0. Hsieh though is finding some gorgeous angles, and she moves to 15-30 with an excellent backhand winner. But Konta just grits her teeth and reels off the next three points to complete another hold, sealed with a screaming backhand winner down the line. Very entertaining fare so far.
Konta* 3-1 Hsieh (*denotes next server)
Konta is absolutely thumping the ball, but Hsieh is finally getting a little bit of a read on the ball, and she ekes out a hold to 30 with some very impressive defence. This is all on Konta's racket at the moment.
Konta 3-0 Hsieh* (*denotes next server)
Clean as a whistle hitting from Konta here, fizzing winners off either wing and utterly overpowering her opponent early on. She holds easily to 15 and strides to the change of ends feeling very good about her start to the match.
Konta* 2-0 Hsieh (*denotes next server) - Konta breaks!
Konta dictating the play early on, and she's making a few forays into the net that Hsieh can't cope with to make it 15-30. Hsieh then miscues a backhand well wide, and it's two break points at 15-40 for Konta. She only needs one, as Hsieh dumps a backhand drop shot into the net. It's an early break for the British No 1.
Konta 1-0 Hsieh* (*denotes next server)
Love hold in the opening game for Konta, who looks very sharp in the opening exchanges. As ever, she's bouncing around between points.
Ready? Play
Konta to serve first.
Players are out
Konta and Hsieh are warming up on the Chatrier Court, as Britain's No 1 looks to win her first ever match at the French Open.
It's a lovely morning in Paris, around 23 degrees, and Konta should in theory break her Paris duck against the world No 109. Hsieh has not won a clay-court match this year but is a former world No 23 and can be a very awkward opponent. She plays double handed on both wings and will not give Konta much rhythm with her beguiling slice and dice game.
The two players have met twice before, with a win apiece for either player, but both of those matches were four years ago when Konta was a completely different player.
My prediction? Konta to come through in two tight sets, let's say 7-5, 6-4.
How Jo can learn to love the clay
I spoke to Tim Henman last week, who offered some pointers to Konta about how she can adapt her game to clay courts.
You have to have a fundamental belief that you can do well on the surface. That’s something that will evolve for Jo and grow when she starts getting better results on clay. The more wins she has on the surface the more she will enjoy it and think she belongs on it. Jo’s very strong mentally so that will provide a good foundation for her.
Like me, she didn’t play on clay a huge amount as a youngster so it’s about acclimatising and taking the time to adapt and understand how her game can be most effective on clay.
Preview
Morning all, Britani's No 1 Johanna Konta gets her French Open campaign under way this morning against Taiwan's world No 109 Hsieh Su-wei.
The players are due on the Philippe Chatrier court at 10.00am, so in the meantime have a read of our preview below:
Johanna Konta is getting used to becoming the hunted rather than the hunter.
The British number one goes into the French Open as the seventh seed but living up to her billing on a surface she is still learning to master looks a tall order.
By winning the Miami Open in April, Konta put herself in prime position to challenge for the sport's biggest prizes in a wide open women's field.
She is far from a natural on clay, though, and has only won two matches in three warm-up tournaments.
Now Konta will look to win her first-ever main-draw match at Roland Garros.
The 26-year-old said: "I guess it's a situation that's slightly unique to me and something that I have experienced over the last two years as I have been playing a lot of tournaments.
"I've been fortunate to be winning and obviously I've found myself in the situation I am now. But I think it's a very nice problem to have. I feel very lucky with that, I'm not complaining.
"I'm really enjoying this part of the season. I think it's giving me a lot of opportunity to grow as a player, my game style on this surface, but also, as a competitor, as a person.
"It gives me different challenges and the work that I'm putting in now - also I believe - will transfer on to the grass and also the hard."
The draw appears to have given Konta a great chance to break her duck, with world number 109 Hsieh Su-wei - who has not won a match on clay this year - first up, while the second round would bring a meeting with either American Taylor Townsend or qualifier Miyu Kato.
French 28th seed Caroline Garcia would be a much trickier prospect in the third round, but getting that far would be a significant step for Konta.
"I'm looking to apply myself the best I can," she said. "I'm looking to stay here for as long as possible.
"I think as long as I feel that I keep growing and I keep improving within the matches that I play, that's what's most important to me right now."
