Barty having ‘a lot of fun’ as she storms into sem-finals
Ashleigh Barty continued to look like a home champion in waiting as she matched her best run at the Australian Open by easing into the semi-finals.
Theworldno1onehasnot yetcomeclosetodroppinga set and was far too strong in all areas for Jessica Pegula, wrapping up a 6-2, 6-0 victory in just 63 minutes.
“That was solid tonight,” said Barty, who next faces another American in Madison Keys. “I had a lot of fun out here, I was able to serve and find a lot of forehands in the centre of the court and I was happy to take the game on.”
Barty previously reached the last four two years ago, losing to eventual champion Sofia Kenin, and is hopefulofgoingfurtherthistime.
“I’ve grown as a person, I’ve grown as a player,” said Barty. “I feel like I’m a more complete tennis player. I’m absolutely loving playing outhere.it’sbeenalotoffun sofarandhopefullythere’sa little bit more left.”
Keys’ surge back to the top of the game continued with a6-3,6-2victoryoverfourth seed Barbora Krejcikova.
The former top-10 star missed this tournament last year after catching Covid-19 and struggled all season but won a WTA Tour event in Adelaide before arriving in Melbourne and withher11thwinhasalready matched her 2021 tally.
Theamericanhasblasted her way through the draw and hit 27 winners against French Open champion Krejcikova.
Speaking on court, she said:“ithinki’mgoingtocry. It means a lot. Last year was really hard. I did everything Icouldwithmyteamtoreally reset this off-season. I’m reallyproudofmyselfandso thankfultomyteamandmy friends and my family for helping me through what was a really tough year.”