Childhood dream comes true as Ashleigh Barty reaches Australian Open final

Ashleigh Barty will fulfil a dream forged in childhood when she becomes the first Australian woman in more than 40 years to play for her home grand slam title.

The world number one went into her semi-final against Madison Keys on an expectant Rod Laver Arena having not come close to dropping a set all tournament and eased to a 6-1 6-3 victory in only 62 minutes.

Australia has been waiting for a women’s singles finalist since Wendy Turnbull back in 1980, with Chris O’Neal the last home champion in the women’s or men’s singles two years earlier.

In the press room on Thursday evening, Barty looked back to her first memories of Melbourne Park, saying: “I would have only been 11 or 12 years old and came down for a training camp in the second week of the Australian Open.

“To see how professional it was and to see everyone going about their business was really eye-opening. My first taste of it was in the juniors and I loved it.

“I think being able to get a taste of that kind of lit the flame. You wonder what you can achieve. You wonder what you can do.

“Over the last three or four years I’ve loved playing here in Australia. I’ve had my best results here over the last little period. It’s really exciting now that we get to play for a title on a Saturday at your home slam.”

I'm really looking forward to having one last crack here to really go out there and enjoy it.-

This is the fourth year in a row that Barty has reached at least the quarter-finals, with her best run previously a semi-final showing in 2020.

It has been noticeable how relaxed the 25-year-old has been this year carrying the hopes of her nation, and she vowed to relish the occasion on Saturday when she takes on first-time slam finalist Danielle Collins.

Barty, who