Open de France 2019: Johanna Konta thinks to stay until the end at Roland Garros

British number one Johanna Konta said that she always thought she could stay "until the end" during a Grand Slam.

Konta, 26th seeded, is the first Briton to reach the French Open for 16 years since 1983.

She will face Croatia's 23rd seed Donna Vekic for a quarter-final spot on Sunday.

"I have participated in two Grand Slam semifinals, so I know the feeling of wanting to go further," said the 28-year-old.

Konta had never won a main draw game at Roland Garros before this year.

But after a great season on clay where she reached the finals of the WTA in Morocco and Rome, she continued to rely on this form in Paris.

Konta avoided Antonia Lottner, a German qualifier, and then defeated struggling American Lauren Davis to beat Viktoria Kumova (Slovakia).

Semi-finalist at the 2016 Australian Open and at Wimbledon in 2017, Konta has now reached the last 16 places at the four Grand Slam tournaments.

The victory over the world number 46 Kuzmova means that she won the six matches of her third round against the majors.

"There is definitely a normal part to winning," said Konta.

"If you have the chance to win matches back to back, you can draw a lot more easily than if you did not have it, I think you trust yourself a little easier.

"As I have said in recent weeks, I have never doubted my form on clay.

"It's good to be able to get a reward for the work I do in general, which I think is reflected on all surfaces."

"You put friends behind you on the ground"

Konta will renew with her rivalry with 22-year-old Vekic, a friend whom she regards as a friend and whom she beat during an exciting match at Wimbledon two years ago.

Great Britain won the match 7-6 (7-4) 4-6 10-8 in three hours and 10 minutes on the central court – although the victory was not the only memorable moment of Konta .

"I remember flying ants – I think everyone remembers that year – I felt like I was part of a documentary by David Attenborough," he said. she joked.

And she added: "It was such a good match to be a part of, and I feel very lucky to have managed to come out a winner.It was special."

Konta and Vekic have also shared the victories of their previous six games, although this is their first match on clay.

"We had a lot of great battles and before that at Wimbledon we had a very good game in the final at Nottingham where she won.

"I've lost our last two games so I'm really looking forward to playing it again.

"We have practiced together many times, she is probably one of the girls I know best on tour.

"But you leave that behind when you go on the field."