
Is Johanna Konta the next big thing in women's tennis? The 24-year-old has won 20 of her past 21 matches and is into the last-16 of the Wuhan Open after shocking World No.2 Simona Halep.

Konta, who was born in Australia but became eligible to play for Britain in 2012, began the year 150th in the world but is expected to be just outside the top 50 when the new rankings are released.

Konta reached the last-16 of the 2015 U.S. Open after claiming notable victories over Spain's Garbine Muguruza and Germany's Andrea Petkovic.

She has become an integral part of the Great Britain Fed Cup team, which is coached by Judy Murray -- mother of two-time grand slam champion Andy.

Sue Barker was the last British female player to defeat a top-two ranked player. That was back in 1981 when she overcame Tracey Austin at Brighton.

Heather Watson will lose her place as British No.1 to Konta next week. The 23-year-old lost to Jelena Jankovic in three sets.

Laura Robson, who was also born in Australia, has endured a difficult time of late after battling a succession of injuries. In 2013 she reached a career-high of 27th in the world.

Konta faces Venus Williams for a place in the last four of the Wuhan Open. It is the first meeting between the rising star and the seven-time grand slam champion.