Ashleigh Barty Cruises Into First Australian Open Final

“It’s unreal honestly, just incredible,” Barty said. “I love this tournament. I love coming out here and playing in Australia. As Aussies, we’re exceptionally spoiled. We’re a Grand Slam nation and get to play at home in our backyard.”

“Now I get the chance to play for a title,” she added.

She will face Danielle Collins of the United States, who defeated Iga Swiatek of Poland, 6-4, 6-1, in the second women’s semifinal. Barty will be the favorite based on her cool and precision under pressure over the last 11 days.

She has yet to come close to dropping a set, and Keys met her at the net after Thursday’s rout with a smile on her face as if to say, “You’re in the zone, Ash, enjoy it.”

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/27/sports/tennis/ashleigh-barty-australian-open.html