In getting to the final, the British no.1 became the first British woman since Jo Durie, in 1984, to make the world ranking’s top 10.
After a tough 3-set win against American, Madison Keys on Saturday night, Polish no.3, Radwanska, was too much for her in the final. The closest Konta came, was in the first set, when an even match was heading for a tie-break at 5-4, but Radwanska broke for the set.
Konta, who was ranked 146 in the world last year, is now on-course for the WTA end of seasons final in Singapore, where the world’s top 8 qualify.
“I’m very pleased with this week, it was pretty spectacular. I’m really enjoying my journey and looking forward to matches like this against players like Agnieszka,” said Konta, who made the Australian Open semi-final in January.
The good news for Konta, was followed by bad this week, as the Brit was forced to pull out of the Hong Kong open, as she looks to chase more WTA points to stay on course for the big finale in Asia at the end of the season.
After playing her first round match, a victory over fellow British player, Naomi Broady, Konta pulled out of her 2nd round game, citing abdominal strain injury.
“I was really looking forward to making this week last as long as possible. It wasn’t as long as I would have liked, but I need to look after my body first. I need to make sure I make the right decisions for my health,” said the Brit.
Fellow player, Heather Watson lost her 2nd round match at the Hong Kong Open. She departed after going down 6-3, 6-3 to Denmark’s Caroline Wozniacki.
