Sydney still Ash’s goal

FORGET the Australian Open, Ashleigh Barty has eyes for only one prize after continuing her giant-killing run to surge into her second-straight Sydney International final.

Barty, 22, rallied from a set down and withstood 15 aces from big-hitting world No.9 Kiki Bertens to beat the Dutchwoman 6-7 (4-7), 6-4, 7-5 in a quality two-hour, 18minute semi-final yesterday.

After taking out 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko in the first round, Barty has toppled world No.1 Simona Halep, Elise Mertens and Bertens to send a warning to her Open rivals.

“It truly has been a phenomenal week of tennis,” the Queenslander said.

“I feel like I’ve played great the whole week. I’ve had tough opponents every single round and I’m really excited to have another shot at the title.”