Here’s Tumaini Carayol’s report, live from Melbourne. It will be a final of firsts, with Barty in the final of her home slam and Collins in the final of her first slam.
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The women’s final sorted, we go to the men’s semis tomorrow: Nadal v Berrettini and Tsitsipas v Medvedev. Some quotes here from Rafa Nadal’s press call. The 21st slam is in sight.
I am just enjoying playing tennis. Of course I want to keep winning, but more than because I want to achieve or I want to have more than the others, it’s because I love what I am doing. I want to keep doing this as long as possible. Of course the last six months there have been a lot of doubts if I would be able to keep going. But now I feel good. We are in a position that we won a tournament, we are in the semi-finals of the Australian Open, so that’s amazing for me. In terms of what can happen in the future, honestly I really don’t care that much. I don’t believe that my future happiness is going to depend on if I achieve one more grand slam than the others or if the others achieve more grand slams than me.”
This is how Danielle Collins got the job completed. That was a powerful display. Swiatek’s guile found little place in the match and Collins’s backhand was all-conquering.
The fairytale run continues for Danielle Collins ✨
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 27, 2022
The American delivers an emphatic 6-4 6-1 victory to upset 7th seed Iga Swiatek and advance to her maiden Grand Slam final.
🎥: @wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis#AusOpen • #AO2022 pic.twitter.com/NTeCwykXlE
Jelena Dokic speak to Australian Open finalist Danielle Collins.
It feels amazing, it’s been such a journey, and it doesn’t happen overnight, so many years of hard work. It’s incredible to be on this stage, especially with the health challenges. I added a little bit more variety over the last two years but this is my Plan A. In this tournament, I don’t feel like I have time to sit down, I have been standing up when I sleep at night. [on Barty] We’ve had some incredible battles over the years, and to play the number one on her home territory, and after Covid with people there, I am just excited.
Danielle Collins reaches the final, beating Iga Swiatek 6-4 6-1
It’s done, and done in style. Collins’ backhand has been a no-go area but Swiatek keeps aiming for it. She tries to amp things up but then goes long and it’s 15-30, and a brilliant service return sets up match point, two of them. And just when it looks as if the day is done, Swiatek scrambles a winner for safety. But there’ll be another. And this one is seized on, and she will meet Ash Barty in the final.
*Collins 6-4 5-1 Swiatek
Just one game from glory now. Collins begins with an ace, she’s served well. Then for 30-0, she takes the point with a backhand from mid-court. Then comes a miss that’s been uncharacteristic of her performance so far. Then an ace on second serve down that middle line again, her third second serve ace. Then a smash to follow up a huge serve and the final is in sight.
Collins 6-4 4-1 Swiatek*
Swiatek has to go for it now. But a double for 30-15 is not much use. Mind you, the second serve usually produces the same result. Collins produces a looping winner from downtown for 30-30. Did she mean that? Her next shot, a lob, is dealt with far easier. And Swiatek goes to 4-1 down, just as she was in the first set. And that ended up being a close call.
*Collins 6-4 4-0 Swiatek
Swiatek finds her own range with a lovely return for 15-15. But Collins’ power soon takes it to 30-15. Then a skidding, looping ace right down the centre takes it to 40-15. Swiatek’s speed around the court saves the next one. Then a decent return takes it to deuce. Good first serve from Collins takes an advantage, one she claims at the net with an overhead. Up in the stands, her Ruud boyfriend claps in approval.
Collins 6-4 3-0 Swiatek*
The American’s eye is in, and the second serve is being gobbled up. 0-30 and a punch of the air. 0-40 arrives next and again on that Swiatek second serve. Three double break points. The first is taken with a huge return. The comeback becomes ever more distant a prospect.
*Collins 6-4 2-0 Swiatek
Two big serves from Collins and Swiatek goes to swap her racquet in an attempt to change things up. It doesn’t work. Make that three big serves. And four. She has control of this match and there’s a really long way back now for her opponent.
Collins 6-4 1-0 Swiatek*
Another break of the Swiatek serve. She was playing well towards the end of the first set, now can she make use of that momentum? Seems not. Collins seems to be feeling more confident, and it goes to 15-30 after some fierce returning of service. Then comes a step forward and a crashing backhand to land two more break points, and brutalises a Swiatek serve to take it
Collins wins the first set 6-4
A good serve for 15-0 up, an even better one for 30-up. A dance and a jig before the third point from Collins, and then an ace for three set points. Surely now? No, a double fault. The yips setting in? No, she finally gets it done. Just when Swiatek looked favourite in a rally, the Pole nets and Collins can breathe a sigh of relief.
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Collins 5-4 Swiatek*
A roar from Collins towards her boyfriend/trainer, who looks a bit like Ruud Van Nistelrooy, and she goes to 30-15 up, only to be levelled by some fine speed from Swiatek. Then Collins is forced into an error for 40-30, as Swiatek serves out and has won four from the last five games. Collins, now looking antsy, must serve for the set.
*Collins 5-3 Swiatek
Heck of a save from Swiatek, two set points averted. A first ace for the American makes it 15-15, and all while her serve has seemed pretty dominant. The next serve is not an ace but can’t be returned, either. 30-15. The next one is an ace and here come two set points. Swiatek saves the first on a long rally, and the second with a fine return and angled stop-volley. Deuce. Good serve hands over another set point but then comes a double fault. Collins misses a winner to hand over a break point. Then comes another double. Game back on, and both players’ serve struggling.
Collins 5-2 Swiatek*
The second serve faulty again as Collins gets to 0-15. Then a winner is clattered home for 0-30. Swiatek wins on second serve for the first time as Collins thwacks the ball into the net cord. But two break points are soon offered up, the first averted by Swiatek chasing all over the court. The second goes Collins’ way, and on that second serve. She will serve for the set after a third break.
Collins* 4-2 Swiatek
Break back! The comeback on? Signs of struggle as Collins clanks a low-lying shot out of bounds. Then she wins a rally by booming to the net as Swiatek misses the chance for a passing shot. The Collins first serve is imperious, the second less so. 30-30 after a fine Swiatek serve. Swiatek suddenly shows off her power in whipping the ball from the baseline and setting up an enforced error and break point. Collins saves that for deuce. An untimely double hands over a second break point. That’s gobbled up with a roar from Swiatek.
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Collins 4-1 Swiatek*
The Pole gets on the board at last. Swiatek feels the brunt of Collins’ returning once more but also deals in some speed herself, but then her second serve fails her again and it’s 30-30. She follows up her serve by pacing down the court to go to 40-30, but then double faults. That’s a shame. Collins’ winner attempt goes long to hand her opponent the advantage, and that’s one seized on.
Collins* 4-0 Swiatek
Swiatek has to fight back here, and fast. And Collins is not quite so dominant, but her power wins a baseline rally to reach 40-15. A skidding serve gets the job done.
Collins 3-0 Swiatek*
Danger signs for Swiatek, whose second serve is swatted aside by Collins for 0-30. Then, a backhand bludgeon takes two break points for a double break. The first is saved by Swiatek’s guile, the second is missed, and Collins has full command of the set.
Collins* 2-0 Swiatek
Powerful serving from Collins, and a crashing backhand winner takes her to 40-0. She’s set off at quite a rate. Swiatek shows off her own power with a winner on 40-15, but a double-handed backhand winner takes the game. The American has started like an Amtrak.
Collins 1-0 Swiatek*
Collins starts with some real power off her service return, swiftly going 30-0 up, then a double fault presents two break points. And that’s claimed at the second opportunity. An early break, well claimed.
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And without much further ado, we go again with Collins v Swiatek, with the final against Barty the prize. Swiatek, will serve first.
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Barty, speaking to Eurosport’s Babsi Schett, says he will not be watching the second semi-final, Collins v Swiątek, but will not be having a beer either, choosing to stay professional. She’s dropped just two service games all tournament and was only taken to one break point by Keys there. It was a hugely impressive win.
Here’s how she gets the job done.
Made Down Under ™️
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 27, 2022
🇦🇺 @ashbarty defeats Madison Keys 6-1 6-3 to become the first home representative to reach the #AusOpen women's singles final since 1980.
🎥: @wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis #AO2022 pic.twitter.com/C7NtLJySmp
Ash Barty speaks to chino-ed tech bro Jim Courier.
It’s unreal, it’s just incredible. I love this tournament, I love coming here and playing in Australia and as an Aussie we are spoiled that we are a grand slam nation and get to play at home. I get the chance to play for a title, it’s unreal. This is Brisbane weather, it was humid. I tried to keep Maddy under the pump as she can take it away from you. She’s a great person, looks you in the eye, a lot of the girls love her. Dylan [Alcott, Australian of the year] has inspired me, he’s inspired the whole globe. We were watching his match, and we were crying and saying “shit”, I need get my own game together.
Ashleigh Barty reaches the final, beating Madison Keys 6-1 6-3
Keys will be going down fighting, and finds yet another winner for 0-15. Barty levels with a big serve before Keys gets excited and wafts one out for 30-15. Then comes another mighty serve and two match points. The noise is huge, and it’s even louder when a serve sets up a passing shot. Barty becomes the first Australian finalist for 45 years, when Kerry Melville Reid defeated her fellow Aussie Dianne Fromholtz.
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Barty 6-1 5-3 Keys*
Gutsy hold from Keys when all seems lost. The first point sees Barty clatter a winner, the second sees more of the same. 0-30, but an oddly bouncing ball keeps her guessing for 15-30. Then Keys pulls off a mighty winner, right down the line. And another! And then Barty misses to hand over the hold. The thunder has started in Victoria, too.
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Barty* 6-1 5-2 Keys
Almost there. Having opened the door with a break, Barty slams it shut on Keys, who takes a deep breath. One of resignation as Barty, with a love hold, is one game away from the final.
Barty 6-1 4-2 *Keys
The break is on. Barty can see victory. Keys need to take advantage of Barty’s wobbles but goes long on a winner that was very achievable. Then does the same on a basic mid-rally baseline shot. That hands over two break points. The first is saved, then comes a missed first serve. Barty misses to go back to deuce. But follows up by an oblique backhand that sets Keys chasing down the court, break point again and one seized with some powerful hitting.
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Barty* 6-1 3-2 Keys
Some wobbles from Barty? A very winnable smash is missed to gasps from the home crowd, the tension getting to everyone. Sighs of relief as she gets to 30-15 up. The first break point is offered up to Keys but closed off with a far better smash. Then Keys regrets a missed forehand, and Barty bludgeons her way to a hold that was far from easy.
Barty 6-1 2-2 Keys*
Keys is playing better. This game is held after a deuce or two and there are signs Barty is not quite at the levels of before. A crashing winner takes the game for a good hold.
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Barty* 6-1 2-1 Keys
The door remains closed on the Barty serve, and it’s 40-0 after an ace. The game is claimed to love with net-cord shot that puts Keys to the back of the court.
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Barty 6-1 1-1 Keys*
Keys looks to really struggling here but produces a gritty hold. Barty’s game is just too strong and there are signs of despondency setting in. Still, she manages to send her opponent in the wrong direction to win a point, and then another for 30-30. And then a backhand from the back of the court forces a Barty error. Better from Keys. Much better.
Barty* 6-1 1-0 Keys
Back on court, and the dominance continues, with a game served out with ease.
Nice photo of the scene and that cloudy sky from PA Media’s reporter out there.
All about Australians today. Ash Barty the headline act against Madison Keys looking to reach a first final here. Barty the favourite but Keys is super dangerous #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/dFxKW0CnQH
— Eleanor Crooks (@EleanorcrooksPA) January 27, 2022
Barty wins the first set 6-1
Barty 6-1 Keys*
Keys seems to have expended all her energy on that previous game. A double fault hands over two break and set points. That’s taken with aplomb from Barty with a clubbing winner.
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Barty* 5-1 Keys
A very long service game to hold. The surge is on, and Barty takes it to 30-0 with just three shots played. A glimmer at 30-15 and then Barty overdoes one down the line . 30-30 feels like a small victory for Keys, but she messes up the chance for a winner on her return. But Barty tightens up, too, and overdoes it once more for deuce. Then a skidding ball hands over a break point, as Barty clatters the ball high and out. A speeding ace saves that, and then some athleticism forces Keys into an error. Still, we go back to deuce again as Keys finds her way into the match. It’s saved by two good serves but we have a match on her hands.
Barty 4-1 Keys*
The double break is claimed. Keys gets all keyed up, sorry, and whacks a gettable winner into the net cord for 30-30. Then a backhand return sets up another break point, one claimed with ease by Barty.
Barty* 3-1 Keys
In the blink of an eye, Barty serves to love. Keys has a real job on her hands to tame that service game.
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Barty 2-1 Keys*
Better from Keys, far better. Keys wins a point for 15-15 and looks relieved, following up with going 30-15 up with a powerful top-spun volley. Then comes a winner to the right of the court. Then a fine serve.
Barty* 2-0 Keys
Barty clatters an early ace, and Keys then fails to convert a second second for 30-0. Keys misses the next one to, and Barty already has command of the first set. The second serve crashes home.
Barty 1-0 Keys*
A lengthy opening game sees Keys broken. We begin with an ace, but 30-30 comes around pretty quickly, but Barty nets to hand over a 40-30 lead. But an overhit slice from Keys leads to deuce. She serves well to claim advantage, and is then forced into hitting wide for another deuce. Another advantage to Keys, but she nets on the next point. It’s nervous out there. Barty’s forehand winner seizes the first break point, and a winner from mid-court after a drop shot takes it.
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So then, it’s been all smiles in the buildup, two players who have enjoyed good form in this tournament. Off we go, and the crowd makes some noise as Keys gets ready to throw first.
Looks like a fuller crowd in the Rod Laver Arena, the numbers still reduced by Covid restrictions, and the players take the coin toss, with Keys choosing to serve first. The knock-up begins.
Interesting warm-up technique.
Ash Barty, the world No 1 tennis player, minutes away from an #AusOpen semi-final, is currently having a net.
— James Gray (@jamesgraysport) January 27, 2022
(She also played professional cricket.) pic.twitter.com/DlRZS9VGGU
Bad news for the Australian of the year, whose post-match interviews have been a highlight of the tournament.
The home contingent already have something to celebrate.
Preamble
Here comes the home favourite, and she’s here in straight sets. Can Barty get past the semis for the first time? She lost at this stage in 2020 to Sofia Kenin, and last year to Karolina Muchova in the semi-finals. Madison Keys is also at her furthest stage of this tournament, having got here in 2015. She’s looking for her second ever Grand Slam final, having reached the US Open final in 2017 and lost to Sloane Stephens. Barty is the overriding favourite, and would seem to have too strong a game for her opponent, though the experts say she might be vulnerable to Key’s forehand.
This match will be followed by the second semi, where Danielle Collins takes on Iga Swiątek. The business end of the tournament is here, and the weather is thundery in Melbourne. It’s likely the tennis will be much the same.
