Ash Barty's coach confident world number one can still improve at Australian Open

Ash Barty's coach Craig Tyzzer says the world number one still has room for improvement ahead of her appearance in the Australian Open semifinals.

Barty has encountered little trouble in advancing to the last four at Melbourne Park for the second time in her career.

She is yet to lose a set and has only had her serve broken once in her five matches at the tournament.

The two-time major champion moved through to the semifinals via a 6-2, 6-0 victory over American 21st seed Jessica Pegula.

Tyzzer said he was satisfied with Barty's form, but believed his charge could play better as they prepare to face former top-10 player Madison Keys in the semifinals on Thursday.

«I don't feel like she's played her best tennis here yet, which is great in that sense,» Tyzzer said.

«It's still building and she's still got to keep working and be ready for every time she steps out there.

»Obviously, Maddie is going to be a huge challenge. Such a powerful athlete and powerful game. Ash has got to be really switched on to be in a contest out there."

Not since 1978 has an Australian lifted the women's singles trophy at the Australian Open. Now Ash Barty is just two wins away from achieving the feat.

Following a 2021 season that included winning the Wimbledon championship, Tyzzer said Barty felt she did not always hit peak form last year.

«We talked about her best matches,» he said.

«Ash said there was probably four times where she felt like she played her best tennis. That was seven-and-a-half months of tennis.

»I think it's her ability to — on the days when she's not playing well — still look like she's playing well and still be able to compete.

«Whether or not she brings her margins in or corrects something or tries something different, she's more capable