It is par for the course with a Union Jack next to her name, Johanna Konta will garner a heightened level of attention back in Old Blighty. But when thrown into the mix as a genuine title contender at a major, those expectations are only amplified.
While having juggled these expectations since making a surprise run to the semifinals at Australian Open 2016, Konta returns to Melbourne among a stacked bunch with one eye realistically on the prize.
With defending champion Serena Williams and two-time champion Victoria Azarenka absent and the form of so many of her peers fluctuating, Konta has one of her best chances at breaking through for a maiden Grand Slam triumph.
But the Brit sees it as a nod to the depth in contenders, rather than a dearth of champions.
“Whenever I get asked that question, it always comes across in really kind of an almost negative way instead of acknowledging how many great players we have,” Konta said. “The depth in women's tennis I really do believe in the last few years has gotten so strong.”
The absence of British men’s No.1, Andy Murray, has only heightened the attention on Konta. And as an astute observer of the game it has not gone unnoticed on the 26-year-old.
“It's nice to see so many of you here,” she smiled at the press. “I guess that has something to do with it.”
When pushed on whether she felt more of a burden of expectation than normal, Konta took a deep breath.
“Not particularly,” she said, before her elaboration hinted at title-winning hopes for the fortnight ahead.
“I'm coming into the event like all the other events: I'm here to do the best I can with the challenge that I'm faced with … Where it gets me is where it gets me,” she said. “Obviously, it would be nice to be here two weeks later, chatting to you all. I will be doing my best to be in that position.”
After title runs in her home city of Sydney and in Miami, Konta impressed at Wimbledon where she bowed to Venus Williams in the semifinals.
From there, however, her season tailed off. She called time on 2017 in September due to a foot injury and fatigue and a big change was in store.
Having ended her coaching partnership with Wim Fissette, in October she appointed Michael Joyce in the off-season. The American had previously coached Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka.
While too early to assess Joyce’s impact, Konta did break a four-match losing streak in Brisbane with wins over US Open finalist Madison Keys and Ajla Tomljanovic, before her mid-match withdrawal against eventual champion Elina Svitolina. Her Sydney title defence ended first up at the hands of former top-tenner Agnieszka Radwanska.
“I think even that match in Sydney has helped me along my way in really trying to play at the level that I want to play,” Konta said.
“I think it's time. I think a lot of it will get better and better with time.”
It's the widest open women’s draw at Melbourne Park in years and Konta’s time may well be nigh.
