British number one Johanna Konta should not feel she needs to play “perfect tennis” to make an impact at the US Open, according to Tim Henman.

Konta, the world number 15, continued her build up to the Grand Slam event with a 6-4 6-2 win against Vera Zvonareva to reach the quarter-finals of the Western & Southern Open in New York.

The 29-year-old has been back in action just a fortnight after needing medical help during a first-round exit at the Lexington Open which was her first competitive match since lockdown began in March.

Serena Williams, though, will be chasing a 24th Grand Slam singles title to match the record of Margaret Court.

Despite having no home fans to cheer her on in New York, Henman believes “unbelievable competitor” Williams will have plenty of inner challenges to overcome.

“Once you get to the latter stages of a Grand Slam, and she is trying to equal Margaret Court’s record, I think that is going to be very draining on her,” the former British number one said.

“Her (performance) level has been good, but that is one area that I look out for.”

Henman, 45, reached the semi-finals of Wimbledon four times during his playing career, thriving off the Centre Court atmosphere at SW19.

With no spectators, Henman feels the 2020 US Open could prove to be a much more level playing field for all involved.

“There is very much two sides to that coin,” he said. “For the American players and the very top players, I think it is a little bit of a disadvantage because they don’t benefit from that crowd support.

“For the lesser players, and certainly the inexperienced players, there is much less of an intimidation factor.

“Before, when you are on the big stages, going out there in front of what can be up to 24,000 people in New York, that is an occasion, which really does take getting used to.

“But if it is an empty stadium. It is a totally different kettle of fish and slightly levels the playing field.”

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