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.