In Sunday’s China Open final, Poland’s Agnieszka Radwanska emerged victorious with a straight sets win over Britain’s Johanna Konta. The third seed Radwanska secured a 6-4 6-2 victory, marking her second successful encounter against Konta.

Despite her defeat, the British number one showed resilience by saving a match point in the seventh game of the second set. However, Radwanska’s skillful play ultimately led to her triumph in one hour and 35 minutes.

Konta, who is seeded 11th, had reason to rejoice despite the loss. She joined a select group of British women by becoming only the fourth to break into the world’s top 10 since the WTA rankings were introduced in 1975. Her impressive journey to the final included a hard-fought victory over Madison Keys in a thrilling match that ended 7-6 (7/1) 4-6 6-4, making her the first British female since Jo Durie in 1984 to reach the top 10.

Furthermore, by advancing to the China Open final, Konta’s ascent in the Road to Singapore rankings also secured her a spot in the top eight, enhancing her chances of qualifying for the upcoming WTA Finals later this month.