Johanna Konta does not believe her 6-1 6-0 thrashing of Serena Williams in the Silicon Valley Classic is a “big bang moment” but just reward for her hard work.

The 27-year-old British number one fired 17 winners and committed just nine unforced errors as she won 12 games in a row to inflict the heaviest defeat on the former world number one and 23-time Grand Slam winner in San Jose.

The 51-minute romp was a huge boost for Konta given that she has endured a disappointing 12 months culminating in her second-round exit from Wimbledon last month, which has resulted in her dropping from fourth in the world rankings to a current placing of 48.

And, while Konta, who defeated Venus Williams to win the final of the Silicon Valley Classic in 2016, is delighted to beat Williams so comprehensively, she played down suggestions that this could act as a springboard for her.

“I don’t believe in big bang moments, or magic moments where the fingers click and it all comes together,” she said.

“I believe in continuous hard work and every day perseverance, putting in the work and trusting the process.

“All this match has given me is the chance to play another one. I’m grateful for that opportunity and will work hard for another one.”

Konta will now face another American in Sofia Kenin in the next round and she is 1.36 to pick up the victory, while her opponent is available at 3.00 to win the tie.