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Australian Open 2018: Johanna Konta 'very close' to matching Maria Sharapova's will to win, says coach

British number one Johanna Konta's will to win is "very close" to matching Maria Sharapova's, says her new coach.

Michael Joyce, who was a major part of Sharapova's team for six years, started working with Konta in November.

The American, who reached the top 100 as a player before going into coaching, told BBC Sport there are many similarities between the two women.

"The biggest thing with Maria for me was her will to win - Johanna's very close to that", the 44-year-old said.

Ninth seed Konta begins her Australian Open campaign against American Madison Brengle in the first round in Melbourne.