World No 1 defeats
American 6-1, 6-3 in 62 minutesBarty will face Danielle Collins in Saturday’s finalFor the fourth match in succession under the hefty weight of home pressure, Ash Barty stood before a taller and stronger opponent capable of hitting just about every
Tennis player in the world off the court. Each time her opponents have arrived on Rod Laver Arena armed with their biggest weapons this year, it has taken Barty little more than an hour to dismantle them with relative ease.
On Thursday night, it was Madison Keys’ turn to experience the deep discomfort of Barty’s game and she was beaten as soundly as all others. After just 62 minutes, Barty won 6-1, 6-3 to reach the
Australian Open final for the first time. She has dropped just 21 games across six matches.