Johanna Konta became the first British woman to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals in 39 years as the world No 7 fought back to beat Simona Halep 6-7(2), 7-6(5), 6-4 on Tuesday.

Both women contested a thoroughly gripping match, in which neither’s momentum faltered. Halep had her chances, especially in the second set tie-break as she secured a mini-break to go up 5-4 with an opportunity to close out the match. However, the lead didn’t last for long as Konta equalled the tie-break at five-all, before closing it out on her own terms at 7-5.

Konta earned just two breaks of serve out of eight break point chances, but both came in a timely fashion. The second service break came in the fifth game, after which she never looked back in the match, getting the win a little over two-and-a-half hours of gruelling play.

Konta thrilled the patriotic Centre Court crowd in a quarter-final classic that ended second seed Halep’s bid to become the new world No 1.

The 26-year-old, who has never reached a Grand Slam final, faces five-time Wimbledon champion Venus Williams in the semi-finals on Thursday.

Halep’s defeat means Czech Karolina Pliskova, who lost in the Wimbledon second round, will replace Angelique Kerber on top of the WTA rankings.

The controversial cry

Konta’s thrilling victory, however, had its share of controversy when a fan screamed out on match point, causing the Romanian to check her stride and shot.

Just as Halep went into her wind-up on a forehand to stay in the tie, a woman’s loud, piercing scream echoed around Centre Court, the sound amplified to dramatic effect by the closed roof.

Halep was obviously distracted by the call and looked to umpire Kader Nouni to rule the point to be replayed.

But no call was forthcoming and Konta too looked bemused as she walked to the net after her win.

“It was a woman on my end who screamed. I think she got over-excited about the deep ball that Simona hit. It was actually as I was hitting my ball, so I think it more affected me than my opponent,” insisted Konta.

“I think the fans were a little over-enthusiastic in parts. But I definitely cannot complain with the amount of support and general good feelings that they were wishing my way.”

Supporters in the 15,000-seater Centre Court roared on home favourite Konta throughout the match.