Konta beats Keys to reach China Open final

Johanna Konta has become the first British woman in 32 years to break into the top 10 of the WTA rankings after reaching the China Open final.

Johanna Konta has become the first British woman in 32 years to break into the tennis top 10. (AAP)

Johanna Konta outlasted Madison Keys in three tough sets to reach the final of the China Open, becoming the first British woman in 32 years to break into the top 10 of world tennis in the process.

Konta, the 11th seed, overcame her American opponent 7-6 (7-1) 4-6 6-4 in an encounter that lasted more than two and a half hours.

The 25-year-old's victory in Beijing means she will climb into the top 10 of the next WTA rankings, becoming the first British woman to achieve the feat since Jo Durie in 1984.