Jo Konta believes Naomi Osaka could challenge Ashleigh Barty at the Australian Open

Former British No.1 Johanna Konta sees two-time Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka as the biggest obstacle in the path of Ashleigh Barty, who many have tipped to lift the trophy in Melbourne.

Both Barty and Osaka were drawn in the same quarter of the Australian Open and could face each other should they both progress to the fourth round. The World No.1 faces Italian Camila Giorgi in the third round, while Osaka will square up against American youngster Amanda Anisimova.

Speaking on the Eurosport Cube, Johanna Konta said “without stating the obvious, there is her [Barty’s] variety and ability to mix things up but what impresses me the most is her consistency – not just not missing but her level of focus and application every point.

“She very rarely has dips, matches have ebbs and flows but her matches are so consistent and so level which asks her opponent to play at that high level which she has consistently which is very hard to do."

Nonetheless, Konta was quick to point out the danger poised by Osaka, stating that the Japanese superstar's pace and power could trouble the reigning Wimbledon champion.

“I do think Naomi Osaka can cause Ash Barty problems though," admitted Konta. "Ash is in her comfort zone a little more when she does have a bit more time, a bit more time to get around to that forehand and Naomi plays incredibly fast and incredibly quick.

“I think that does present some challenges for Ash but I do think, overall, Ash is in better form so I would still pick Ash in that match-up. But Naomi on a good day she is incredible.”