By Press Association
Published: 07:47 GMT, 1 January 2019 | Updated: 07:47 GMT, 1 January 2019
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Johanna Konta's year got off to a promising start with a straight sets win over Sloane Stephens in the first round of the Brisbane International.
The British number one, who said she is trying 'to create something new and something better', dismissed the American No 3 seed 6-4, 6-3.
After an inconsistent 2018 campaign that saw her world ranking drop to 37, Konta appeared to have been dealt a tough draw against the world number six for the opening round in Australia.
Johanna Konta's year got off to a promising start with a straight sets win over Sloane Stephens
The American No 3 seed trudged off court after being comfortably beaten in Brisbane
The Briton, 27, faced brisk opposition from the 25-year-old 2017 US Open singles champion, who took Konta to two break points in the opening game.
She held
