Sussex ace Johanna Konta is the centre of attention for British hopes on day one at Wimbledon after her Eastbourne conqueror Belinda Bencic lifted the Aegon International title.
Konta’s first round showdown with 2004 champion and world No.4 Maria Sharapova takes place on centre court, following defending men’s champion Novak Djokovic against German Philip Kohlschreibe.
Wildcard Konta, the British No.2 and world No. 146, is in the form of her life after reaching the quarter-finals of her home town tournament at Eastbourne.
The 24-year-old beat two top 20 players and the world No.34 before losing narrowly to Bencic in three sets.
Konta said: “I believe in my ability, I’ve absolutely nothing to lose and I’m going to go out there and do everything I can.
“I’m looking forward to it and excited to play Maria since I’ve never played her before.
“This is what every tennis player dreams of, competing on a big stage, against the best and it’s even better that it’s at home at Wimbledon.”
Swiss prospect Bencic, 18, became the youngest ever winner of Eastbourne and second youngest on the women’s tour by beating Polish ninth seed Agnieska Radwanska, also in three sets, in Saturday’s final at Devonshire Park.
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