It was a brutal performance, but one that left her feeling light of spirit: “I think happy more than anything,” she smiled.
“I feel just really happy. Yeah, happy, I think, is the main word, main feeling. I feel really pleased with just how I dealt with the conditions out there and just how I gave myself space to play. I thought I played the game, which I was just really pleased with. Just happy.”
Swinging freely, the 28-year-old pummeled ground strokes past her opponent to secure the victory in a little over an hour.
Konta, who had never won a match here before this year, will face Marketa Vondrousova for a spot in the final.
“I’ve always said that whenever I step out onto the court, I’m always going to have a chance,” Konta said.
“I’m always going to have a shot. I don’t think any player on tour can go on court against me and feel like they’ve definitely got it.
“I definitely back myself and my ability that way.”
The last British woman to reach the final in Paris was Sue Barker, who lifted the trophy in 1976.
Stephens refused to rule Konta out as a champion.
“I think any of the people left in the tournament can win the tournament. I think she played really well today. Obviously, it only gets tougher from here. Yeah, I think anyone that’s left can win the tournament,” she said.
