Wimbledon 2017: Johanna Konta loses semi to Venus Williams

British sixth seed Johanna Konta has lost 6-4 6-2 to American 10th seed Venus Williams in the Wimbledon semi-finals.

Johanna Konta returns against Venus Williams during her semi-final defeat. Picture: AFP/Getty Images

Konta was hoping to become the first Briton to reach the ladies’ final since in 40 years but was was outclassed by Williams who is playing in her 20th Wimbledon.

The British number one had two break points at the end of the opening set but failed to capitalise and instead it was Williams who broke the very next game. The American never looked back.

Williams goes through to her ninth singles final at Wimbledon where she will face Spain’s Garbine Murguruza on Saturday for the chance to win her eighth grand slam title.

Venus Williams grits her teeth against Johanna Konta. Picture: Tim Ireland/AP

The 37-year-old American last won the championship in 2008 but is now going for her sixth Wimbledon singles title.

Virginia Wade was the last British winner of the ladies’ title, defeating Betty Stove of the Netherlands in the final in 1977.