Johanna Konta tops Venus Williams for 1st singles crown

STANFORD, Calif. - Hard-hitting Johanna Konta whipped winners every which way and outslugged top-seeded Venus Williams to capture her first career singles title, winning the Bank of the West Classic 7-5, 5-7, 6-2 on Sunday.

Her serve and return games equally solid, Konta held on in the third set after squandering a 4-1 lead in the second. When Williams netted her forehand return on the third match point, Konta dropped her racket to the ground and covered her face in triumph.

No. 3 seed Konta figured out Williams' big serve for the second time this year, standing some 10 feet behind the baseline to return it and generating pace from Williams' regular serves of well more than 100 mph.

The 25-year-old Konta also stunned Williams with the straight-set victory in the first round at this year's Australian Open.

She became the fourth-oldest first-time titlist this year.