Bouzkova took out the British No.1 in Monterrey in ironically both players last competitive action before lockdown; a similar scoreline of 6-4, 6-4 was reached albeit in the first round stage.

Konta took the first game but was struggling with her breathing and asked for the doctor as a result; but following that decided to continue. After that it was very much neck and neck; with Konta having two break points which were spurned to make it 4-2.

Bouzkova replied in kind making it 4-3 which proved to be the catalyst for the set; as she claimed it 6-4 after two set points.

The British No.1 came out the blocks firing after that claiming a break to go 2-0 up; but lost it after going 40-0 down in the next game.

Konta looked for an immediate break back but despite going advantage, the tide turned back and forth with Bouzkova getting away with it.

It was Konta's time to get away with it at a pivotal point in the match as she went 40-0 down at 3-3 before edging through on advantage 4-3 to attempt to surge towards the second set.

Konta once again was attempting to fend off break points as Bouzkova looked to go one away at 40-15 up. An error from the former saw the Czech ace look to serve to win and she did just that taking it impressively 40-30.

On other courts, it was Jennifer Brady who was first through easing past Heather Watson 6-2, 6-1 in what looked to be a close match on paper with both hovering around the top 50 mark and the latter being a title winner this season in Acapulco.

She won't play a further part though this week in Lexington joining her fellow Brit, Konta out of proceedings. Magda Linette will be next up for Brady after a similarly classy display seeing off Lauren Davis 6-2, 6-3.