Johanna Konta has been urged to seize a "fantastic opportunity" in the semi-finals of the Australian Open.

The Eastbourne-based star goes up against German No.7 seed Angelique Kerber in the early hours of tomorrow morning at the Rod Laver Arena.

Their tussle is preceded by the semi between top seed Serena Williams and Agnieszka Radwanksa (4).

Kerber beat Victoria Azarenka to reach this stage and will now have sights set on stopping the Konta fairytale in its tracks.

Brighton-based coach and former professional Julie Pullin expected a different semi-final challenge.

She told The Argus: "I’m quite surprised. I have watched Azarenka a few times this week and she has looked fantastic.

"Throw in Kerber hadn’t beaten her before and I’m surprised by that result.

"From Johanna’s point of view you would take that as a semi-final draw any day of the week.

"But it’s a semi-final, it’s not going to be easy.

"Kerber is a fantastic player and she’s a lefty so it’s something a bit different.

"But I think she would take that draw 100%. If she plays like she can, she has got a good chance."

The Argus:

Angelique Kerber

Pullin, head coach at Pavilion and Avenue, warned: "If Johanna is down a bit on her best, at that level you can be caught out.

"But you would certainly rather be in that half of the draw.

"It’s a fantastic opportunity – for both of them if you think about.

"Just like the quarter-final was an amazing opportunity for both players, when Johanna played Zhang Shuai, but Johanna handled the situation the best. Let’s hope she can do it again."