Yahoo News Jo Konta forced to defend her 'Britishness' during BBC interview that enrages listeners
A BBC journalist has been accused of showing a “lack of respect” over the way he “disgracefully” questioned Wimbledon semi-finalist Johanna Konta.
John Humphrys had the world No 4 on his Radio 4 Today show following her best-ever showing for a British female tennis player at SW19 for 39 years.
She also became only the fourth British woman in history to enter the world’s top five since they were launched in 1975.
However, despite her achievements, Humphrys has come under fire for suggesting the 26-year-old “crashed” out of Wimbledon, even though she lost to five-time winner and losing finalist Venus Williams.
Konta was born in Australia to Hungarian parents and Humphrys also questioned her on this, asking her “what are you?” – Even though she moved to England when she was 14 and became a British citizen in 2012.
He also made comments about her age and why she had only begun hitting the heights now after sitting outside the world’s top 100 players until 2014.
What the hell is with John Humphrys' belittling interrogation of Johanna Konta?! Disgraceful. Show some respect man! #r4today@BBCRadio4
— Travis James Bacon (@PoweredByBacon1) July 18, 2017
Very mean spirited interview with Johanna Konta on #BBCR4today why can't we celebrate her success & the fact she chooses to be British?
— Alexandra Runswick (@AlexRunswick) July 18, 2017
#r4today JH Konta: patronising, lazy, ill-informed, ungenerous. If he can't be bothered, take him off air.
— notthenewnormal (@ddonougher) July 18, 2017
Note to John Humphrys: Johanna Konta isn't a politician. She is a tennis player that brought joy to millions during Wimbledon. Grow up.
— Susie Harris (@susieharris19) July 18, 2017
@BBCr4today the Johana Konta interview was a stink. All Humphrys could do is downplay her achievements with poorly researched non-facts.
— Al (@Altwittarabi) July 18, 2017
*Very* weird John Humphrys interview with Konta in which he appeared to suggest that tennis star was too old and not British enough #r4today
— Alexi Mostrous (@AlexiMostrous) July 18, 2017
Konta is enjoying her most successful season to date and is one of the favourites for the US Open next month as she enters the hard court season, which is traditionally her favourite surface.
Mr Humphrys said: "We talk about you as being British, but you were born in Hungary, Australian citizenship, and I seem to remember that the Australian high commissioner, when you won the quarter-final, said: 'Great to see an Aussie win', and we were saying: 'Great to see a Brit win' - so, what are you?"
Ms Konta laughed before replying: "I was actually born in Australia to Hungarian parents, but I have lived half my life here now, almost. So, I'm a British citizen, and I'm incredibly proud to represent Great Britain. I have done so officially since 2012.
"But, definitely, I have personally since 2005 when I moved here. I have also represented Great Britain at the Olympics, so I'm definitely a British athlete."
