Australian Open: Ashleigh Barty becomes the FIRST home player to reach women’s final in 42 YEARS

Ashleigh Barty becomes the FIRST home player to reach Australian Open women’s singles final in 42 YEARS after world No 1 dominates Madison Keys to win in straight sets

  • Ashleigh Barty beat Madison Keys to advance to the Australian Open final
  • Barty becomes the first Australian woman to reach the final of her home grand slam since Wendy Turnbull back in 1980
  • World No 1 eased to a 6-1 6-3 victory over Keys in only 62 minutes on Thursday


Ashleigh Barty defeated Madison Keys to become the first Australian woman to reach the final of her home grand slam for more than 40 years.

The world No 1 went into the semi-final on an expectant Rod Laver Arena having not come close to dropping a set all tournament and eased to a 6-1 6-3 victory in only 62 minutes.

Australia has been waiting for a women’s singles finalist since Wendy Turnbull back in 1980, with Chris O’Neal the last home champion in the women’s or men’s singles two years earlier.

Barty said: ‘It’s just incredible. I love coming out here and playing in Australia.

‘I’m just happy that I get to play my best tennis here. Now I get the chance to play for a first title here. It’s unreal.’

Asked if she was ready for one more match, Barty said with a grin: ‘Absolutely. Let’s do it.’

More to follow 

Ashleigh Barty beat Madison Keys in straight sets to reach the Australian Open singles final

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Read more at DailyMail.co.uk