Johanna Konta: I'm from Eastbourne and I'm proud of it

Media in Australia tried to claim Konta as one of their own after she cruised to a straight sets victory against nine-time grand slam champion Venus Williams.

Reporters even suggested the only reason she moved to Eastbourne was because of a man.

Konta, 25, was born in Sydney to Hungarian parents. She originally represented Australia but she moved with her family to the UK in 2005 and became British citizen in 2012.

“Put it this way,” she said. “I’ve played more tennis in the UK than I have here (Australia).

“I left more than a decade ago, so that’s a very, very long time for a 25-year-old, so if I’d have left for a man, I’m pretty sure that would be illegal.

“I think the police might well have been involved. “I can assure everyone that I didn’t elope when I was 11.

“It was a move my parents made because we wanted to be in Europe and we made the UK our home.

“I’m lucky enough that I get to call myself British and to have such great support at home.

“I always look forward to coming back to Eastbourne after tournaments and this is where I spend my time off.”