Follow live updates from the Australian Open women’s semi-finals after world number one Ashleigh Barty defeated Madison Keys 6-1 6-3 to book a place in Saturday’s final. Barty, the Wimbledon champion and tournament favourite, is aiming to become the first Australian since 1978 to win her home Grand Slam and the 25-year-old continued her dominant form as she raced to victory in one hour and two minutes.
In doing so, Barty becomes the first Australian woman to reach the Australian Open singles final in 42 years and she will face Danielle Collins in Saturday’s final after the American produced an inspired performance to beat Iga Swiatek 6-4 6-1. The 28-year-old attacked Swiatek’s second serve in a statement performance to reach her first Grand Slam final. “We’ve had some incredible battles over the years,” Collins said of Barty. “To play against the number one player in the world in her home country, I think it’s going to be really spectacular.”
Follow live updates below: