Johanna Konta beats Dominika Cibulkova to reach final in Stanford

British number one Johanna Konta is through to the first WTA final of her career after beating world number 12 Dominika Cibulkova in Stanford, USA.

Konta, ranked 18th, played superbly to win 6-4 6-2 and set up a final against Venus Williams or Alison Riske.

The 25-year-old Briton hit seven aces and dropped just six points on serve as she won in one hour and 14 minutes.

“It’s just a release of emotions,” said a jubilant Konta, who is still in the doubles with American Maria Sanchez.

“I needed to do a very good job of just focusing on myself. It was about focusing on breathing and enjoying playing in front of such a great crowd.”

Konta reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open in January, and again at Eastbourne in June.

She is playing her first tournament since losing to Eugenie Bouchard in the second round at Wimbledon last month.