With an outstanding performance, the world number one has reached her first final in her home country. There she will face a debutant on Saturday – and has a historic opportunity.
Ashleigh Barty is playing in a league of her own at the Australian Open, the much longed-for home victory is within her grasp. The world number one continues to show no weakness whatsoever and advanced to the Melbourne final for the first time with a 6-1, 6-3 win over the previously very convincing US player Madison Keys. Barty can become the first Australian to triumph at her home Grand Slam since 1978.
Whether she was ready, Barty was asked during the winner’s interview after reaching the final. “Absolutely,” she replied, “Let’s do it!”
Her opponent in the final is Danielle Collins. The US-American beat French Open winner Iga Swiatek just as clearly in the second semi-final of the day. The score was 6:4, 6:1 after only 78 minutes. It is the first Grand Slam final ever for the 28-year-old from Florida. Collins is currently ranked 30th in the world. Her success at the Australian Open means she will be ranked in the top 10 after the tournament – regardless of the outcome of the final.
Wimbledon winner Barty entered the tournament as a heavy favourite, and the 25-year-old did not drop a single set on her way to the final.
Last Australian winner 1978
In 1978, Christine O’Neil was the last Australian to win the title at her home Grand Slam. Barty’s best result in Melbourne so far was a semi-final in 2020, when she lost to eventual winner Sofia Kenin (USA). No Australian had reached the final since Wendy Turnbull in 1980.
Barty’s semi-final opponent Keys, ranked 51st in the world, had put in a strong performance to reach her second semi-final in Melbourne since 2015. She had also convincingly beaten co-favourites Paula Badosa (Spain) and Barbora Krejcikova (Czech Republic). But Barty, a two-time major winner, is clearly above the competition in this tournament.
She needed just 26 minutes to take the first set against the tense Keys, with her clever rhythm changes through the awkward backhand slice Barty dominated the match at Rod Laver Arena. In the second set, the American initially held her own better, but Barty showed her best tennis in the important moments and ended the match after only 62 minutes.