Konta defeated at Open but not deflated

Defeated Brit Johanna Konta is refusing to see her Australian Open semi-final as a lost opportunity, instead moving on to the possibilities for the season ahead.

While Konta lost her semi-final 7-5 6-2 to Angelique Kerber, there was plenty of upside to her fortnight at Melbourne Park.

The 24-year-old announced herself as a force for the season ahead, and will re-enter the WTA tour with a slashed ranking.

The world No.47 is likely to settle inside the world’s top 30 players, making her a genuine prospect to be seeded at her home slam, Wimbledon.

Konta also almost doubled her career earnings in one fortnight, taking home a cheque for $650,000 for reaching the last four.

Konta, a refreshing newcomer with her positivity both on the court and in the press room over the fortnight, didn’t see the loss as a failure.

“I don’t think I missed an opportunity,” she said.

“I played against a better player today who earned her right into a grand slam final. That’s how I view it.

“I think that’s all you need to accept about that but I’m really taking a lot of positive things from it.

“I’m really hungry to keep improving and keep enjoying what I’m doing.”

This time 12 months ago, Konta lost in the first round of qualifying at Melbourne Park.

As she departs in 2016 having reached the last four, she said what she looked forward to the most hadn’t changed.

“I go home to see my parents, spend some time in my own bed. That stays the same.”

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