The UK's top-seeded Johanna Konta defeated 2011 US Open champion Samantha Stosur of Australia at the WTA Elite Trophy Zhuhai on Nov 2, cracking the top 10 in the year-end world rankings. But, on Nov 5, Elina Svitolina booked a final battle against Petra Kvitova at the Huajin Securities WTA Elite Trophy Zhuhai after coming back from a set down to oust No1 seed Konta. 

Johanna Konta in the match [Photo courtesy news.xinhuanet.com]

"I dreamt of being number one in the world, of being the best player out there," Konta told the WTA. "I think you've got to put dreams aside, a little bit separate, just because you've got to focus on the work and you've got to focus on things that you can control." That's the effort and attitude that I approach my job, what I do," she said.

Four weeks ago, Konta was the singles runner-up at the China Open, becoming the fourth UK player to rank among the world's top 10 WTA players. After her first win in Zhuhai's group game, she also became the first British female since 1983 to crack the top 10 in year-end world rankings.

Konta has achieved a major breakthrough this year thanks to outstanding performances at the China Open, Australian Open, and the US Open, as well as at successful competitions in Stanford, Montreal, Eastburn, and Miami.