Jo Konta rubbishes Marion Bartoli claims she is too ‘fragile’ to win Wimbledon
JO KONTA rubbished Marion Bartoli’s claims she is too “fragile” to win Wimbledon.
Bartoli, who won the title in 2013, insisted the British No 1 cannot handle the huge expectation of winning a Grand Slam, while her technique crumbles under pressure.
But defiant Konta, a three-time Major semi-finalist, hit back: “I only see that as something to look forward to.
“I have been playing on home soil for a lot of years now. And I went deep into the tournament in 2017 here at Wimbledon.
“That’s always going to give me experience and it’s always going to help me learn from what it felt like to be out there.
“No two tournaments or two Wimbledons are the same. But I’ve never seen it as a burden, just another great opportunity for me to do what I love.”
Frenchwoman Bartoli had taunted Konta saying: “Thinking about winning a Grand Slam is a little bit too much for her to handle.
“She has a tendency to be really fragile, especially her technique, when something goes wrong.
“Her technique is very stiff so when she gets tight it is a nightmare for her.”
Konta plays No 6 seed Petra Kvitova on Centre Court today in the last 16.
The Brit, 28, added: “Nothing quite beats playing in front of a home crowd.
“There is always going to be an extra desire and want from everyone watching and rooting for you. It is an incredibly special position to be in.”
Czech ace Kvitova will be Konta’s toughest assignment so far this summer, but her opponent had her build-up affected by a lack of match practice following an arm injury.
Konta spent yesterday training — as well as walking her dog and catching up on BBC TV series Killing Eve.
She said: “I enjoy big stages. I enjoy playing in front of crowds and that is across all our tournaments.
“We go everywhere in the world. Not everybody gets a home Slam. Not everybody gets home events.
“So, I am part of a very select few who get that chance. I can only really be grateful for that and take the positives.”
But there will be a lot of appreciation for her rival, too.
Two-time SW19 champ Kvitova, 29, is eyeing her third Grand Slam quarter-final since an horrific knife attack in her own home in 2016.
She underwent emergency surgery for severe lacerations to all four fingers on her left, playing hand.
Konta added: “For her to bring that success and passion for the sport after something so terrible, it’s a true honour to see.”