Australia’s Ashleigh Barty will face American Danielle Collins in this year’s Australian Open women’s singles final. Both players won their semi-final clashes comfortably.
In the first semi-final, Barty defeated American Madison Key in straight sets 6-1 6-3, while Collins beat 2020 French Open champion Iga Swiatek of Poland 6-4 6-1.
Top seed Barty has become the first Australian player to reach the Australian Open final in 42 years. She would become the first Australian tennis player to win the Grand Slam title since Christine O’Neil achieved the feat in 1978.
The 25-year-old Aussie star said after the match, “It’s just unreal – as an Aussie, we are spoiled that we are a Grand Slam nation, and now we have a chance to play for a title.”
She added, “I’m just happy that I get to play my best tennis here. I enjoy it, I’ve done well before and now we have a chance to play for a title.”
“I’m just happy I get to play my best tennis here.”
So are we @ashbarty, so are we ???? #AO2022 • #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/INLToQz0qc
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 27, 2022
As for Collins, this is her first-ever Grand Slam final. Recalling how her father took her around as a child to ensure that she had access to the best tennis resources, Collins said, “It feels amazing to reach my first Grand Slam final. It has been such a journey, it doesn’t happen overnight.”
The 28-year-old player added, “Along with all the health concerns, I couldn’t be happier.”