Nottingham Open: Johanna Konta knocked out by Monica Niculescu

Johanna Konta has reached the semi-finals in Nottingham in the past two years, before it became a WTA event

British number two Johanna Konta has been knocked out of the Nottingham Open, losing 6-2 2-6 6-2 to Monica Niculescu in the quarter-finals.

The 24-year-old saved 14 of 20 break points she faced but was beaten in two hours and 21 minutes by the Romanian.

Konta, ranked 147, was broken three times in the first set but hit back by taking the second as world number 61 Niculescu struggled with her serve.

However, the Romanian upped her game to dominate the final set.

Konta, who was aiming to reach her first WTA Tour semi-final, will now head to Birmingham for next week's Aegon Classic, followed by the Aegon International at Eastbourne immediately before Wimbledon.

"Credit to her, she really didn't give me much. She was there the whole time and I did my best, but unfortunately it wasn't enough today," said Konta of her opponent.

"I've been able to get three really good matches on the grass, which is like gold dust going into Wimbledon."

Konta has been given a wildcard for Birmingham, as have fellow Britons Naomi Broady and 16-year-old Katie Swan.

Swan, who was runner-up at the Australian Open junior tournament earlier this year, will make her WTA Tour debut at the event.