Jo Konta upbeat despite US Open exit

The British number one was looking to become the first British woman to make the quarter-finals in New York since Jo Durie, who made the last four in 1983.

And a victory may have edged her into the world’s top ten for the first time.

But she never found her rhythm against unseeded Latvian Anastastija Sevastova, who briefly retired from the sport three years ago after becoming fed up with a succession of poor results and injuries.

Konta held just four service games and made 34 unforced errors as Sevastova’s deft touch, especially her drop shots, left her frequently flat-footed.

At times the emotional Latvian seemed on the verge of tears but after spurning some early matCh points, she held it together to book a last eight clash with a resurgent Caroline Wozniacki.

But Australian Open semi-finalist Konta, who made the last eight at the Rio Olympics, insisted she did not view defeat as a chance missed.

“Going into this match, I had no expectations of winning, I just wanted to do my best,” she said.

“I don’t judge myself purely on results, that would be an up and down sort of career. I take my enjoyment and satisfaction from the effort I put in on a daily basis.

“I did the best I could but my opponent played a more solid match than I did. I didn’t play the tennis level that I would have liked but I competed the best I could.

“I needed to be a little bit more offensive and she did a good job of neutralising my serve and she read the game really well. I didn’t take the opportunities she gave me.

“I’m continuously working on getting better, it’s a constant effort.”

Sportsbeat 2016