Johanna Konta of Great Britain plays a forehand in her first round match against Kirsten Flipkens of Belgium on day two of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 17, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. Britain’s growing hopes of a first women’s grand slam champion in 40 years moved a step closer on Tuesday when ninth seed Johanna Konta took out Kirsten Flipkens 7-5 6-2 in the blazing sun at Australian Open.