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Elina Svitolina's coach Andy Bettles flying the flag for Britain in semi-finals

Elina Svitolina's coach Andy Bettles flying the flag for Britain in semi-finals
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The 26-year-old began working with the Ukrainian in 2017.

Johanna Konta may have been knocked out but there is still British interest in the singles at Wimbledon through coach Andy Bettles.

Konta missed out on reaching the last four for the second time in three years after falling to a 7-6 (5) 6-1 defeat to Barbora Strycova on Tuesday.

But while Strycova takes on title favourite Serena Williams, the second semi-final sees Simona Halep face eighth seed Elina Svitolina, who is coached by Somerset's Bettles.

The 26-year-old began working with Svitolina in 2017, helping the Ukrainian maintain her place in the top 10 and rise as high as number three in the world.

Bettles will certainly have better memories of Wimbledon from coaching than as a player, having lost in the first round of the boys' singles to Roberto Carballes Baena in 2011.

"I remember it was a hot day," he said. "I was so nervous I could barely hold the grip and I think I hit three double faults in the first game.

"I probably wasn't a good enough player but the coaching side fascinated me. I've been really lucky to work with some amazing coaches and then Elina gave me the trust to be her main coach.

  • Elina Svitolina v Simona Halep
  • Serena Williams v Barbora Strycova

"Obviously when I was growing up Wimbledon was so special, so this is amazing for me personally. It's important sometimes to take a step back, and on a personal note remember just how quickly my career has come along.

"Will I feel any pressure? A little bit. But it's nice she's playing Halep, we know her so well.

"She's played her six times since I've been working with her, she's a familiar opponent so the match tactics are almost set already."

While Strycova, Svitolina and Halep look for their first Wimbledon title, Williams is bidding for her eighth which would take her level with Margaret Court's record of 24 grand-slam titles.

Her coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, said: "It would mean she would equal the all-time record, and it would mean she needs only one more to beat it, and that's why she came back to play tennis after having a baby and so many medical complications.

"The effort she has put in, I have never seen anything like it. You have no idea how hard she has worked to come back to this level, and she came back for that so it would mean a lot if she makes it."

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Britain's Johanna Konta reacts during her quarter final match against Czech Republic's Barbora Strycova on July 9, 2019
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