STANFORD, CA, USA – Johanna Konta produced an classy display at the Bank of the West Classic to defeat Dominika Cibulkova and advance to the first final of her career.

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Displaying all the poise that has characterized her rapid ascent over the past 12 months, Konta outplayed 2013 champion Cibulkova from first point until last, triumphing 6-4, 6-2 in an hour and 14 minutes.

A picture of calm throughout, Konta’s could not hide her emotions when Cibulkova send a forehand sailing long on match point, emitting a scream of delight. “It’s a release of emotions, because I felt I needed to do a very good job of focusing on myself, my own game. And I was very happy I was able to do that and that’s what happens when you try to stay calm for so long,” Konta told on-court interviewer Andrew Krasny.

Think she's excited? @JoKonta91 defeats @Cibulkova 6-4, 6-2. #BOTWClassic pic.twitter.com/spYxrdeGKA

— BOTW Classic (@BOTWClassic) 23 July 2016

“I was trying to focus just on the circumstances and not anything that was going on around me. I enjoyed being out here, playing in front of a great crowd and am excited to come back tomorrow.”

This time last year she was embarking on a 16-match win streak that began on the ITF Circuit and ended in the second week of the US Open.

On her return Konta has looked every inch the Top 20 player, and judging by her form against Cibulkova she could yet rise further. A pin-point forehand return brought her an early break, and with her own serve impenetrable it was an advantage she never looked like squandering.

The second set was even more impressive, Konta conceding only two points on serve as she cruised to victory. She is the third Briton to contest the final in Stanford – Sue Barker beat Virginia Wade to the title the 1977 – and there she will face two-time champion Venus Williams.

Carrying the momentum she picked up at Wimbledon with her across the Atlantic, Williams has been in fine form this week. And for the first half an hour or so of her semifinal against Alison Riske, it looked like the would reach her 80th career final a canter.

Riske’s fighting spirit ensured the second set was far more competitive, but despite holding a couple of set points she was unable to prevent Williams winning, 6-1, 7-6(2).

“I was at the finish line and playing well, but getting killed on these points where I hit amazing first serves, so all credit to her because she played her best tennis when it was almost over,” WIlliams said.