Australia’s Ashleigh Barty continues her quest to win her home major tonight, at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, where she takes on Madison Keys in the Australian Open women’s semifinals. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage of the action from 7:30pm AEDT.
The last Australian to make an Australian Open singles title was Lleyton Hewitt, way back in 2005. Barty has the chance to match Hewitt tonight, and then perhaps go one better on Saturday night.
Her tournament to date has been superb, not dropping a set and only losing a combined 17 games over 5 matches.
Against Jessica Pegula, the World no.1 was at her beguiling best. Pegula was never comfortable and had to struggle for every point. Barty plays a different game to the rest of the WTA tour and it is proving difficult to counter.
After a disappointing 2021, Madison Keys has found her best tennis in Melbourne. Her 51 ranking does not reflect the Keys we are seeing in the Australian Open.
She has been a seed slayer, taking down Sofia Kenin, Paula Badosa and Barbora Krejcikova along the way. Better still, she beat them all in straight sets, only losing one set so far.
Barty leads the head-to-head 2-1, with Keys’ only win coming on clay back in 2017. Barty won the only hard court battle 6-4 6-1 in the Federation Cup in 2019.
Prediction
After a couple of near misses in recent years, there is a feeling of destiny this year for Ash Barty.
Keys is playing some great tennis but there is some doubt whether she can reach that level against the Australian.
Riding a wave of home support, the 17 year wait for an Australian Open finalist will come to and end.
Ash Barty in straight sets.
Venue: Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
Kick-off: 7:40pm approx. AEDT
Broadcast: Channel 9
Live stream: 9Now, Stan Sport
David Holden
Roar Guru
Do it, I didn't play comp for 15 years and regret not coming back sooner
The Late News
Roar Rookie
Yes considering taking up social tennis again in my early 60s...very social!
The Late News
Roar Rookie
Take it easy son!
David Holden
Roar Guru
Played A and B grade in Illawarra Association tennis in Sydney until mid 30's. Took it up again recently and lots of fun...shots are still there but the fitness is not..strictly doubles for me!
David Holden
Roar Guru
Yep, no worries. Not so sure about the young bit !!
David Holden
Roar Guru
Thanks for joining the blog tonight. It has been fun as always.
David Holden
Roar Guru
She will face the winner of Danielle Collins and Iga Swiatek in the Final!!
David Holden
Roar Guru
Ash Barty is the first Australian in an Australian Open singles final since 2005 and the first woman in over 40 years. She has the chance to create more history on Saturday night
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Great stuff. Ash is so humble, honest and ruthless as a tennis player. I love it. Good luck to her on Saturday.
David Holden
Roar Guru
Ash Barty was clinical again tonight in a straight sets win against Madison Keys. Keys wasn't at her best but Barty does that to you. She didn't let Keys get comfortable at any stage and let her serve and forehand win enough points for a good win
David Holden
Roar Guru
ASH BARTY DEFEATS MADISON KEYS 6-1 6-3
The Late News
Roar Rookie
Thanks for the call young man.
David Holden
Roar Guru
Great serve and forehand winner and Ash Barty wins in 62mins Barty 6 6 Keys 1 3
The Late News
Roar Rookie
Doneski!
The Late News
Roar Rookie
So David...how far did you get in tennis? I got to B grade in Sydney many years ago. The difference between C and B back then was the lower grades were usually on clay in people's back yards. B Grade matches were at tennis or sports clubs!
David Holden
Roar Guru
Unplayable serve and two match points
David Holden
Roar Guru
Keys just long with the forehand. 30-15
David Holden
Roar Guru
Great serve out wide evens it up. 15-15
David Holden
Roar Guru
Great rally and Keys wins with the cross court backhand. 0-15
David Holden
Roar Guru
Barty goes wide and Keys holds Barty 6 5 Keys 1 3