Ashleigh Barty books spot in Australian Open final with win over Madison Keys

Ashleigh Barty, the world number one in women’s tennis, booked her spot in the Australian Open final with a fine victory over American Madison Keys, becoming the first Australian woman in 42 years to reach the Australian Open final.

It took Barty 26 minutes to win the first set 6-1 against the unseeded American. The win marked the Australian’s 11th straight set win.

The 25-year-old went on to win the second set 6-3 to wrap up the game in just over an hour and secure her place in the finals.

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Speaking to former world number one Jim Courier after the match, Barty said, “It’s unreal, it’s just incredible. I love this tournament, I love coming here and playing in Australia and as an Aussie we are spoiled that we are a grand slam nation and get to play at home. I get the chance to play for a title, it’s unreal.”

“I tried to keep Maddy under the pump as she can take it away from you. She’s a great person, looks you in the eye, a lot of the girls love her,” the 25-year-old added.

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The world number one has also told EuroSport that she will not be watching the other semi-final between Collins v Swiątek, but will not grab a beer either. Barty has said that she will remain professional ahead of the final.

The 25-year-old has dropped just two service games in the Australian Open 2022, and was only taken to one break point by Keys in the semi-final on Thursday.

Barty had cruised to the semi-finals with a 6-2, 6-0 victory over Jessica Pegula.

The 25-year-old has two Grand Slam singles titles, the 2019 French Open and 2021 Wimbledon Championships, and a win in the final of the Australian Open would take her tally to three.