Johanna Konta excited to set up Eastbourne clash against Caroline Wozniacki

Johanna Konta declared satisfaction with her performance in overcoming Aleksandra Krunic in the second round of the Nature Valley International.

In her home town of Eastbourne, she was rarely under threat during the process of securing a convincing 6-1 6-3 victory that means she will on Wednesday meet world number two Caroline Wozniacki.

Defeat by Serbia’s Krunic at last year’s US Open is widely thought of as the start of Konta’s surprising decline in fortunes, but a one-sided win gave her cause for future optimism having also been influenced by her decision to play with greater aggression.

Konta reached the semi-finals in Eastbourne 12 months ago before her withdrawal with a back injury. Krunic also struggled after hurting her thigh while slipping into the net during the first set, and the Briton said: “I was just happy I played quite a consistent match.

“How I wanted to play my points and construct them was quite clear, and I kept sticking to that even when it didn’t go my way. It was quite tricky out there, it was pretty gusty, and she can play well on this surface. I’m happy I was able to keep my level as I wanted it.

“I’m definitely looking to move forward a bit more. This surface can accentuate it a bit; I’m looking to take advantage of that side of my game. It’s something I believe I can do well, and the more I do it, the better I will end up doing it.

“I wasn’t playing her with the memories of the US Open, I was playing her with the intention of what I wanted to do out there, and approached it according to the level of play I wanted, and the good form she’s in.”

The 27-year-old Wozniacki won her first grand slam in January at the Australian Open, and British number one Konta believes the Dane will represent a tougher challenge as a consequence, despite her previous successes against her.

“(The match with Wozniacki) will be a great chance for me to continue to raise my level and do the best I can against someone like her,” said Konta, also 27.

“Both matches were a lot closer than the scoreline. She’s a very tough competitor. She’s also playing very well; she’s a grand slam champion this year and that’s a massive monkey off her back, I’m sure she’s going to be playing very freely.”

Later on Tuesday Konta and doubles partner Timea Babos of Hungary defeated Ukraine’s Lyudmyla Kichenok and Russian Alla Kudryavtseva 6-1 5-7 1-0(6).

There was also a victory for fellow Briton Cameron Norrie, who won 7-5 6-7 (4/7) 6-2 against Germany’s Daniel Brands.

The 22-year-old next faces compatriot Jay Clarke, and Norrie said: “It’s going to be a big match. Lots of pressure.

“These courts really do suit me. Well, more than Queen’s, anyway.

“For some reason, I always play well near the ocean, so I don’t know if it’s a coincidence or not. But I like it (here).”