Johanna Konta begins 2018 with win over Madison Keys in Brisbane

Johanna Konta has started her 2018 campaign with a three-set win over Madison Keys at the Brisbane International.

The British number one is defending 580 ranking points ahead of the Australian Open and the 26-year-old needed to be at her best to overcome the US Open runner-up by a 4-6 6-4 6-3 scoreline.

Konta ended last season with five successive defeats and it appeared that her winless streak would continue when she dropped the first set to the American.

However, one break of serve was enough for Konta to level the match and after striking twice in the decider, victory was wrapped up in just under two hours and eight minutes.

Konta will now take on Ajla Tomljanovic for a place in the last eight.