BRITISH golden girl Jo Konta was too hot to handle as her Aussie Open glory bid got off to a flier.
The ninth seed braved temperatures close to 100F to see off Kirsten Flipkens of Belgium 7-5 6-2.
Konta – who came here off the back of winning the Sydney International title last week – smiled: "It was tough out there and I knew I'd have to be patient.
"I'm just happy to get through."
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Konta added: "It was incredibly tricky. She has the kind of game that can trouble any player.
"I tried to play myself in to the match and I'm happy to be through. A lot has happened in the last year and I'm just enjoying playing and trying to get better every day."
The Brit dominated the second set, and sealed victory in one hour and 36 minutes of strength-sapping temperatures at the Margaret Court Arena.
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