NEW YORK, August 30, 2019

Johanna Konta set up a clash against No. 3 seed Karolina Pliskova from the Czech Republic in the fourth round of the US Open after dispatching China’s Zhang Shuai on Friday. In breezy conditions, the World No. 16 from Great Britain won 6-2, 6-3 in one hour and 12 minutes on Grandstand.

“They are never clean and straighforward matches, there’s always two players on court,” Konta said.

“There was nothing easy about that match, I had to stay clear on what was happening in the match.

“I strongly believe in the process and progression and I’m constantly trying to grow and get better. I lost two first rounds before this tournament so I’m trying to keep things in perspective.”

Earlier in the day on Louis Armstrong Stadium, Pliskova overcame her emotions and an inspired opponent to advance to the round of 16, beating Ons Jabeur of Tunisia 6-1, 4-6, 6-4.

Williams, Barty advance

Serena Williams continued her quest for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Czech Karolina Muchova in one hour and 13 minutes. Next stop for the US-American will be a meeting with Petra Martic of Croatia who beat Anastasija Sevastova from Latvia 6-3, 6-3.

Second seeded Australian Ashleigh Barty advanced to the next round after beating Greece’s Maria Sakkari 7-5, 6-3.

“Maria is an incredible competitor and great mover around the court,” Barty said, quoted by the US Open website. “She really brings her best stuff when she’s on the move, so it was important for me to try and dictate without going into her patterns too much.”

“It’s tricky to play a friend, it always is,” Barty added. “I was really happy to be able to finish off both of those sets today.”