After 41 long years, Australia has another Wimbledon women’s singles final competitor to savour after Ash Barty produced the performance of her life to defeat former champion Angelique Kerber in the last four.
“Angie is an incredible competitor. She brought out the best in me,” said Barty, who produced three exceptional games when 5-2 down.
Living up to her world No. 1 billing, the Queenslander reckoned she’d never played such a fine match after prevailing 6-3 7-6 (7-3) in what she had called her “ultimate test” on Thursday against the rejuvenated three-time grand slam winner on Centre Court.
“I’m incredibly proud of myself and my team and now we get a chance on Saturday to live out a childhood dream,” said Barty.
In truth, that ultimate test is yet to come on Saturday when Barty will tackle Karolina Pliskova, the big-serving Czech who blitzed 14 aces as she tamed Aryna Sabalenka 5-7 6-4 6-4 in the other semi-final.
Barty is the first Australian women’s finalist since her idol and mentor, Evonne Goolagong, who won the title in 1971 and 1980. She also becomes Australia’s first singles finalist – man or woman – at the All England Club since Mark Philippoussis lost to Roger Federer in 2003.
And if she produces this quality in the final, the 25-year-old is in good shape to become the nation’s third champion in the Open era after Margaret Court and Goolagong.
Back on Centre Court where she’s bloomed, first slowly and then majestically, into the tournament, Barty played her sharpest set of the fortnight in the opener before withstanding the sort of inspirational form from Kerber that took the German to the 2018 title.
All the action of the Wimbledon women’s final will be on 9Gem with commentators Roz Kelly, Todd Woodbridge, Sam Groth, Jelena Dokic and Brett Phillips.
Barty Vs. Pliskova, Wimbledon finals: 11pm AEST July 10th on 9Gem, 9Now, and Stan Sport