Barty faces Williams
MELBOURNE: Australia’s Ash Barty will square off with Serena Williams in the ultimate test of her Australian Open title credentials after the two tennis superstars set up a semifinal at the Yarra Valley Classic.
Barty's successful comeback following a nearyearlong hiatus continued with a steely 75, 26, 104 win over American Shelby Rogers, before Williams edged out Danielle Collins 62, 46, 106 in her allUS quarterfinal.
Both matches were decided by match tiebreaks, with the class and experience of Barty and Williams prevailing to ensure a showdown today.
Barty has lost her two previous clashes with Williams, but has not played the 23times grand slam champion in almost three years.
Williams won that battle at the French Open before Barty returned to claim the trophy at Roland Garros the following year.