Johanna Konta beats Donna Vekic and rain delay to reach Nottingham final

Johanna Konta beat a rain delay to claim her place in the final of the Nature Valley Open in Nottingham.

The British number one was assured against Donna Vekic, easing to a 6-2 6-3 victory to qualify for a second successive final in the tournament.

Konta was already a set up when the rain hit but, after an hour’s delay, she picked up right where she left off to book her final berth.

Top-seed Ashleigh Barty now awaits Konta in Sunday’s final after the Australian beat Naomi Osaka 6-3 6-4.

“It was definitely challenging, for both of us and for different reasons,” Konta told Eurosport.

“It is never easy with a rain delay, so I am very happy to have battled through, to keep my mind on the task at hand and do the best I can with the conditions.”

Looking ahead to the final, Konta added: “I know she is a very crafty and talented player, especially on this surface.

“She has definitely improved a lot since last year as well, is playing incredibly well and so it is going to be a tough match for me, and I am looking forward to that.”