Day 11 at the 2022 Australian Open was straightforward in determining the finalists in the Woman’s singles draw.
Local favourite, Ashleigh Barty made history this morning. The 25-year old pulled off yet another straight-set victory. This time over American, Madison Keys to become this first Australian to compete in the Grand Slam down under since Wendy Turnball in 1980.
The other Yank to compete in the 2022 Australian Open semi-final achieved more success. The 27th seed, Danielle Collins was ruthless in terms of accuracy against the Seventh seed, Iga Swiatek. The straight-set victory sees Collins advance to her first Major final.
Aussie Aussie Aussie – Oi Oi Oi
Top seed, Ash Barty made a huge statement at the Rod Laver Arena and looks poised to break the Turnball-curse. The Aussie charged to a 6th consecutive victory without dropping a set. Barty lost just 21 games in the 2022 Australian Open so far, with her time on court totalling six hours and six minutes.
That is the most ruthless performance in a Woman’s draw at a Grand Slam since Serena Williams dropped just 16 games on route to the US Open final in 2013.
Barty also sent a 3rd successive American pacing, again in a little over an hour. It took just 62-minutes for the World No.1 to power to a 6-1 and 6-3 win over Madison Keys.
The Aussie is now just one win away from becoming the first local woman to win the Australian Open since Chris O’Neil in 1978.
“It’s unreal, it’s just incredible. I love this tournament, I love coming here and playing in Australia and as an Aussie, we are spoiled that we are a grand slam nation and get to play at home,“ said the 25-year old.
“I get the chance to play for a title, it’s unreal. This is Brisbane weather, it was humid. I tried to keep Maddy under the pump as she can take it away from you. She’s a great person, looks you in the eye, a lot of the girls love her.”
Made Down Under ™️
🇦🇺 @ashbarty defeats Madison Keys 6-1 6-3 to become the first home representative to reach the #AusOpen women's singles final since 1980.
🎥: @wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis #AO2022 pic.twitter.com/C7NtLJySmp
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 27, 2022
U-S-ASTONISHING
27th seed, Danielle Collins delivered a performance worthy of a Grand Slam crown. The American pulled off a massive upset, which will see her make her Top 10 debut in the coming week.
Collins, who underwent surgery to treat endometriosis last March, turned over the favourite, Iga Swiatek with ease. Her intent was clear from the first game, overpowering the Seventh seed with pure first-strike tennis.
The 28-year old was deadly accurate on her way to a 6-4 and 6-1 victory to make it through to a first-ever Major final.
“It feels amazing, it’s been such a journey, and it doesn’t happen overnight, so many years of hard work,” said the American after her semi-final victory.
“It’s incredible to be on this stage, especially with the health challenges. I added a little bit more variety over the last two years but this is my Plan A. In this tournament, I don’t feel like I have time to sit down, I have been standing up when I sleep at night.“
The fairytale run continues for Danielle Collins ✨
The American delivers an emphatic 6-4 6-1 victory to upset 7th seed Iga Swiatek and advance to her maiden Grand Slam final.
🎥: @wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis#AusOpen • #AO2022 pic.twitter.com/NTeCwykXlE
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 27, 2022
The Men’s finalist will be decided tomorrow.
Matteo Berrettini vs Rafael Nadal – 5:30
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Daniil Medvedev – 10:30
