EASTBOURNE ace Johanna Konta faces a grudge match against Sorana Cirstea today as she bids to join Heather Watson in the last 16 of the Aegon International.

Konta was accused of gamesmanship by Federation Cup rival Cirstea in April after Romanian captain Ilie Nastase reduced the British No.1 to tears with a foul-mouthed verbal assault.

The match was suspended before Konta romped to victory on the resumption. Cirstea branded Konta as too soft and claimed she exaggerated her emotional turmoil.

The spat adds spice to their second round clash on centre court at Devonshire Park.

Wild card Watson caused a major upset yesterday by dumping out defending champion Dominika Cibulkova in straight sets.

Novak Djokovic opens play on centre court today against Canadian qualifier Vasek Pospisil.

The Serb star is relishing his Devonshire Park debut. “For me it’s great to visit a new place, be part of a new event,” he said.

“I don’t get to experience that too often.

“We have more or less the same schedule each year over and over again, so it’s great to be in Eastbourne for the first time. It’s a small town, but being part of the combined event, there is a lot of matches, a lot of people coming out to watch and support the players.

“You can feel the appreciation for the tennis that they have here. They love this event, and so for me it’s a pleasure to be here.”