| Match: Finished | 1 | 2 |
|---|---|---|
| A. Barty (AUS) (1) | 6(6) | 5 |
| S. Kenin (USA) [14] | 7(8) | 7 |
| Completed Sets | ||
|---|---|---|
| Set won by S. Kenin | 5 - 7 | S. Kenin leads 0 to 2 |
| Set won by S. Kenin | 6(6) - 7(8) | S. Kenin leads 0 to 1 |
Australia’s Ashleigh Barty does battle with Sofia Kenin in an Australian Open semi-final that will determine the first of the women to advance to the championship decider. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 2pm (AEDT).
After being announced as the Young Australian of the Year earlier in the week, Barty has continued to ride a wave of support throughout the 2020 Australian Open and stands on the precipice of a place in the final.
Her form has improved throughout the event and her quarter-final domination of Petra Kvitova was a great indicator as to exactly where Barty’s game is right now.
Her opponent today has enjoyed a remarkable time at Melbourne Park. A tough competitor, Kenin lacks the firepower and weapons to blow players off the court, yet does possess the guile and dexterity to worry the best of players.
With the home crowd behind her, Barty will look to dominate with the serve and use the forehand to control the tempo of the match. That will essentially be the battle, with the American looking to strike winners early in points and the Aussie happy to use her power and placement from the back of the court in order to dominate.
Nerves will no doubt also play a role, with both players well aware that an opportunity exists to move into their first Australian Open final.
Prediction
The Barty party will well and truly continue at Melbourne Park. She should prove far too strong for Kenin in this one and win easily in two sets.
Join The Roar for live scores and point-by-point updates from 2pm (AEDT).
Time: 2pm (AEDT)
Court: Rod Laver Arena
TV: Nine
Online: 9Now
Odds: Barty $1.26, Kenin $3.75
Head-to-head: Barty 4-1
Ranking: Barty 1, Kenin 15
Career titles: Barty 8, Kenin 3
Big Daddy
Guest
I suppose Nadal choked as well. Give some credit it where it's due. On any given day any seed in the top ten can win particularly the women. I was hoping she would win but it wasn't to be.
matth
Roar Guru
Of course she has a lot to prove, she’s 22. But at 22 with a French title and year end title and year end number 1, she’s doing ok. And she will (I’m guessing) still be number one after this tournament given she increased her rankings points over last year.
Aw
Guest
She has won 1 open. She is not exactly a champion yet. Hopefully will prove me wrong and as you have pointed out to me, she has time on her side. But so do the others, who i think, are potentially better players
matth
Roar Guru
You saw number one Nadal lose in the semi’s last night right?
6x6 perkele
Roar Rookie
Winning a slam proves quite a bit, winning junior slams proves quite a bit.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Hi Docker. Yes Kenin impressive. Better than I thought she was. Best match I have seen her play.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
It was a poor performance and mentally she was out thought and played today but I wouldn't write Barty off at home just yet. Usually more resilient than what she showed today. Kenin proved to me that she is a better player than what I thought she was. Very solid.
Aw
Guest
She has a lot to prove. At this moment, really only 1 because the others are not consistent enough. Her best is nowhere the best overall
6x6 perkele
Roar Rookie
No they wouldn't champions do lose matches, watched Ivan Lendl at Wimbledon ever? Or all those years Roger couldn't win the French, she went down in a tight semi you numnuts she wasn't blown off the court. She will be fine.
Reg Grundy
Guest
Still a good effort to get into semis, just made a few too many unforced errors today. It will be interesting to find out this year if she really is a genuine number 1 tennis player, not just someone making up the top 10. I was getting sick of the media over indulging with the phrase Barty Party.
Aw
Guest
A true no 1 would have aced that. She didn't and will slip down the rankings once the more powerful players become more consistent.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Ashleigh Barty has failed in her attempt to reach her first Australian Open final, losing to American Sofia Kenin on Rod Laver Arena. It was a tight and gripping contest from the first to last point and Kenin deserved her victory. The first set was nip and tuck throughout. There were no service breaks and it wasn’t until Barty took a 6-4 lead in the tie-break that a winner seemed clear. Kenin was resolute and turned the set around in three points; claiming it 7-6. The Australian began well in the second set, taking an early service break to lead 3-1. That advantage was held until Barty stepped onto the court to serve for the set at 5-4. She was not to win another game as Kenin crafted point after point; winning the final three games in style. Barty fell away badly in the end, played inconsistently throughout and was ruffled by Kenin’s ability to stay in points and alter the speed of her ground strokes. For Barty, there will be a next year. For Kenin, a final against either Simona Halep or Garbine Muguruza awaits. Final Score Ashleigh Barty………….…6…5 Sofia Kenin…….….……….7….7
6x6 perkele
Roar Rookie
Lol she was in the semi and is all of 22, reckon she's fine you typical slobbo judgemental Aussie, what's your greatest achievement?
Jeansyjive
Roar Rookie
You realise that was the semi final? Bit harsh, not denying she missed her chances.
Aw
Guest
Barty choked big time. Just like stosur. Cannot handle playing at home. Going to be a few more years before we an Aussie win at home. Terrible
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Well that sucks. Well done Kenin, though.
6x6 perkele
Roar Rookie
Well done kenin, when you looked gone you just pushed harder, amazing performance.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Game set and match Kenin. She has beaten Ashleigh Barty with a stunning finish. Ashleigh Barty………….…6...5 Sofia Kenin…....….……....7....7
Stuart Thomas
Expert
30-40 Barty saves one with a ripping cross court forehand. Ashleigh Barty………….…6...5 Sofia Kenin…....….……....7....6