The unexpected debate Johanna Konta sparked after her loss to Venus Williams at Wimbledon

JOHANNA Konta played for the UK at Wimbledon, but the Aussie-born star has sparked a bizarre social media debate after her loss to Venus Williams.

Britain's Johanna Konta is seen between points against US player Venus Williams during their women's singles semi-final match on the tenth day of the 2017 Wimbledon Championships. Picture: AFP

JO Konta caused a ripple at Wimbledon when the BBC were accused of focusing on her nipples.

The star, 26, lost her semi-final to Venus Williams, 37, in straight sets.

But the BBC coverage zooming in on her chest had Facebook users all a titter.

Broc Silva wrote: “I’m OK with gussets and nipples generally.

“But why don’t they focus on Roger Federer’s genitals? Is it just me that thinks it’s sexist?”

Britain's Johanna Konta is seen between points against US player Venus Williams during their women's singles semi-final match on the tenth day of the 2017 Wimbledon Championships. Picture: AFP

Christine Meynell added: “What’s with Johanna Konta’s nipples? They were very rude.”

Franco Cosentino chipped in: “It’s hard to concentrate on the women’s singles. Nipple Fest.”

And a Twitter user said: “Provide nipple covers for female competitors. Cringe watching some matches with elder male family members.”

Venus Williams smiles in victory as Johanna Konta of Great Britain looks dejected after the Ladies Singles semi final match. Picture: Getty

Asked Venus if I could stand courtside @ the final so she can hang her jacket on my nipples,said she didn't want me to detract from her win!

— Jo Konta's Nipples (@KontaNips) July 14, 2017

But other viewers found it rather titillating.

One joker, using the Twitter handle Jo Konta’s Nipples, tweeted before the game: “Nipple alert: T minus 1 & counting.”

US player Venus Williams celebrates beating Britain's Johanna Konta during their women's singles semi-final match. Picture: AFP

After the American’s 6-4 6-2 triumph they added: “Asked Venus if I could stand courtside @ the final so she can hang her jacket on my nipples. Said she didn’t want me to detract from her win.”

Another wrote: “Konta could do with nipple covers #PeanutSmuggling #ShowUsYourTicTacs.”

OK boys, nipple alert: T minus 1 & counting.

#WeHaveLiftOff
#Konta

— Jo Konta's Nipples (@KontaNips) July 13, 2017

A third Twitter user quipped: “Someone complain to Ofcom that Konta has nipples showing before the watershed. #ThinkOfTheChildren.”

However, a Beeb insider insisted the eye-popping shots of the ace, the first Brit woman in a Wimbledon semi since 1978, were unavoidable.

Johanna Konta of Great Britain reacts during the Ladies Singles semi final match against Venus Williams. Picture: Getty

They added: “Female players’ outfits have got racier. Producers have no say in what they wear.

“It’s difficult for them to avoid these shots on daytime telly.”

This story originally appeared in The Sun and has been republished with permission.

Originally published as The unexpected debate Johanna Konta sparked after her loss to Venus Williams at Wimbledon