LONDON, Great Britain – WTA World No.15 Johanna Konta was invited to 10 Downing Street, the home of British Prime Minister Theresa May, at an event was designed to champion ‘positive activities for young people’.

Konta is an Ambassador for the charity Centrepoint, which was one of the organisations present. It has been working since 1969 to offer services supporting homeless young people in London.

At Downing Street, Konta, who reached the semifinals of the French Open and then the quarterfinals of Wimbledon this year, was able to meet up with those involved in the charity.

“Homelessness has always been a big thing that’s close to my heart, that I want to help,” Konta said. “I met a young lady called Kenny, who has come through Centre Point and it's through them that she’s got her shift here with The Clink.”
 

Courtesy of 10 Downing Street

The Clink provided catering for the event, which was about bringing young people at risk of violence together with role models, organisations and businesses that can help them fulfil their potential rather than being drawn into crime, and is another charity which offers to develop the skills of inmates and ex-convicts.

Meanwhile, Konta enjoyed the experience of visiting the landmark attraction.

“Usually my only reference is ‘Love Actually’ and the Hugh Grant scene, so it’s proper cool to be in each room,” she said. “I feel like you’re walking through history, especially as you walk up the stairs and you see all the Prime Ministers through time. It’s inspiring and I feel very lucky.”

After a successful summer thus far, Konta will now ramp up her preparations for the US Open, which begins on August 26 in New York.