Barty separates from the pack, Alcott’s legacy and the Special K’s march on – Australian Open 2022 diary

'Ash has separated herself from the rest’ Ashleigh Barty’s latest victim, Madison Keys, lasted just 62 minutes against the world No.1 in the semi-finals on Thursday. Ad/> Keys saw her 10-match winning streak come to an end with a 6-1, 6-3 defeat to Barty, who has yet to drop a set so far this fortnight and has reached the final at the loss of just 21 games through six rounds. Australian Open'Better than winning a tournament' — Emotional Alcott reveals Murray message3 HOURS AGO Asked what it was like to face Barty at the moment, Keys did not hold back.

“It's tough. It sucks,” she said with a chuckle before explaining how the Australian’s serve, slice backhand, and forehand, are close to being indestructible weapons. Every once in a while, a player comes along that separates themselves from the rest of the pack, setting a benchmark that everyone else strives for.

Asked if that’s how she feels about Barty right now, Keys said: “I would say yes. I definitely think so. I think she's incredible… she seems very focused, but she's playing very within herself, and it just seems like everything is really working for her right now without playing unbelievable tennis for her.