Ash Barty will go head-to-head with American Danielle Collins in the Australian Open Women’s Final. The world number one is on the path to becoming is the first Australian woman to make it through to the finals in 42 years – since Wendy Turnbull back in 1980.
She will play the 28-year-old world number 27 at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena on Saturday at 7:30pm in front of what is expected to be a packed stadium.
Ash Barty breezed through her semi-final round against Madison Keys winning in straight sets – 6-1, 6-3 – in a brutally quick 62 minute match.
At the end of the match she spoke to tennis commentator Jim Courier about her win and said: “It’s unreal. Honestly, it’s just incredible.
“I love this tournament, I love coming out here and playing in Australia, and as an Aussie we’re exceptionally spoiled that we’re a Grand Slam nation, we get to play in our backyard, and I’m just happy that I get to play my best tennis here.
“I’ve done well before and now we have a chance to play for a title. It’s unreal,” she added.
Meanwhile, Collins won her semi-final match up against 20-year-old Polish tennis star Iga Świątek – who is currently ranked world number seven – in a speedy 78 minute, straight set win – 6-4, 6-1.
She spoke tennis commentator Jelena Dokic the upcoming final with Barty, and said: “We have had some incredible battles over the years and to play against the No.1 player in the world in her home country, I think it is going to be really spectacular.
“I love the energy the fans bring, whether they are for me or for my opponent. I think we are just so grateful after everything with Covid to be able to have incredible energy and people here supporting us.
“I’m just excited to have everybody back. So yes, looking forward to hopefully having a great match and battling away with Ash,” she added.
Barty Vs. Collins, Australian Open Women’s finals: 7.30pm AEDT January 29th on 9Gem, 9Now, and Stan Sport