Australian Open: Ashleigh Barty advanced to the semi-finals of the Australian Open after defeating Jessica Pegula.
With a 6-2 6-0 victory over Pegula on Rod Laver Arena, Barty tied her greatest run at Melbourne Park.
The world No. 1 has yet to drop a set and was far too powerful in every area for Pegula, winning in 63 minutes.
The home favorite is into the semis 🙌
🇦🇺 @ashbarty reels off the last nine games to defeat Pegula 6-2, 6-0 and set up a last-four clash with Keys!#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/ynE6mCwfpY
— wta (@WTA) January 25, 2022
Barty, who will face Madison Keys in the next round, said: “Tonight’s performance was excellent. I had a lot of fun out here; I was able to serve and hit a lot of forehands in the middle of the court, and I was eager to play.”
The Australian made it to the final four two years ago but lost to eventual champion Sofia Kenin, so she’s hoping to go even further this time.
“I’ve matured as a person and as a player,” Barty added. “I think I’m a more well-rounded tennis player now. I’m having a blast playing out here. So far, it’s been a lot of fun, and hopefully, there’s a little more to come.”
With a 6-3 6-2 victory against Barbora Krejcikova, Keys advanced to her first Grand Slam semi-final in four years.
After a terrible season last year, Keys dropped out of the top 80 rankings early this month, but she won a WTA Tour event in Adelaide before arriving in Melbourne and has maintained her momentum.
Smile says it all 🙏🏽 See you in the semis!! @AustralianOpen pic.twitter.com/LAxhVrYuEm
— Madison Keys (@Madison_Keys) January 25, 2022
The American has blasted her way through the draw, hitting 27 winners against Krejcikova, the French Open champion.
It’s Keys’ first Grand Slam semi-final appearance since the US Open in 2018, with her finest run being the year before in New York, where she lost to Sloane Stephens in the final.
I can get behind these vibes ✨ https://t.co/vUZqcXZYlF
— Jennifer Brady (@jennifurbrady95) January 25, 2022
Very, very happy for @Madison_Keys so good to see
— Laura Robson (@laurarobson5) January 25, 2022
According to the 26-year-old, “I’m quite sure I’m going to cry. It means a great deal to me. Last year was a really trying year. This off-season, I did everything I could with my team to truly reset. I’m very proud of myself, and I’m grateful to my teammates, friends, and family for supporting me throughout what has been a difficult year.”
For Tennis live score, tennis championship, tennis tournament, tennis court and other tennis news follow livematchupdatesnews.com.
