Johanna Konta beats Caroline Garcia to reach Wimbledon quarterfinals

— -- LONDON -- Johanna Konta became the first British woman in 33 years to reach the Wimbledon quarterfinals after a three-set victory over Caroline Garcia.

Konta, the sixth seed at this year's Championships, came through a battling encounter against France's No. 21 seed to claim a 7-6 (3), 4-6, 6-4 win in just over two hours on Court No. 1. She is the first British woman to reach the last eight at SW19 since Jo Durie in 1984.

Great Britain has not had a female singles champion at Wimbledon since Virginia Wade lifted the title in 1977. Konta will face either Victoria Azarenka or No. 2 seed Simona Halep for a place in the final four.

Konta had previously not made it past the second round at the London Grand Slam prior to 2017.?

When Garcia slapped a final forehand into the net, Konta fell to her knees, struggling to hold back the tears before embracing her opponent at the net.

Garcia had beaten Konta, also in three sets, at Indian Wells in March but she is yet to beat a top-10 player at a grand slam and this time it was Konta's serve, and nerve, that came up trumps.

Information from the Press Association was used in this report.?