(Tennis news) Ashleigh Barty created history as she became the first Australian player in four decades to reach the final at Melbourne. The 2022 Australian Open has surely contributed to the history of the sport, the world number one will face Danielle Collins in the final of the women’s singles on January 29th.

In women’s singles, Barty continued her strong run to the final with yet another straight set victory over Madison Keys in the first semifinal. The Australian needed only an hour to get past her opponent as she beat her for the third time in four meetings. Barty has so far dropped 21 games on her way to the final, a feat which has only been bettered by Williams sisters since 2000. The two time Grand Slam winner never looked better as she hit 20 winners of which 13 came in the second set as she reached her 3rd major final. Barty defeated Keys 6-1, 6-3.

“I didn't quite have my rhythm on the first serve, but when I needed it most it was there,” Barty said in the press after beating Keys. “I know I can just throw it up and really trust it, go after my spots and try and get free points and back myself in.”

Danielle Collins reached the finals of a Grand Slam for the first time as she beat Iga Swiatek in the second semifinal. Collins had reached the semifinal at Melbourne 3 years ago which was her next performance at a major before this year. The 28 year old was strong on her serve and won the first four games of the match before Swiatek won her first game. In the second set, Collins again won the first four games as the upset was completed and the 7th seed could take one game before losing the match. Collins defeated Swiatek 6-4, 6-1.

“It feels amazing,” Collins said in her on-court interview. “It’s been such a journey, and it doesn’t happen overnight. It’s so many years of hard work, hours at an early age on court. Yesterday I was talking about all the early mornings my dad would get up with me and practice with me before school. It’s just incredible to be on this stage.”

In the mixed doubles, Kristina Mladenovic and Ivan Dodig beat Jaimee Fourlis and Jason Kubler in the final to win the title. Mladenovic and Dodig had overcome 2nd seeded John Peers and Zhang Shuai in three setter in the semifinal. Mladenovic and Dodig defeated Fourlis and Kubler 6-3, 6-4.

In the men’s doubles, the finals will see an all Australian pair win the title as all the four players will have adequate support from the home crowd. Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis will face fellow countrymen Matthew Edben and Max Purcell in the championship match.

In the women’s doubles, world number one Barbora Krejčíková and Kateřina Siniaková will face Anna Danilina and Beatriz Haddad Maia in the final. Danilina and Beatriz had beaten 2nd seeds Shuko Aoyama and Ena Shibahara in the semifinal but will have a much tougher fight for the title. The women’s singles and men’s doubles will take place on January 29th as the men’s singles and women’s doubles final will take place on 30th January.

Also read: Medvedev, Berrettini have it tough to enter last four at Australia