<p> Ash Barty stood one win away from ending Australia's 44-year wait for a home-grown champion after she defeated American Madison Keys 6-1 6-3 in the Australian Open semi-final on Thursday.</p>.<p>The Wimbledon champion continued her remarkable run during the past fortnight in Melbourne Park and reached the final without dropping a set, losing just 21 games in six matches. Victory on Saturday would make Barty the first local to win the Australian Open since Chris O'Neil in 1978.</p>.<p>Barty, who is the first Australian to reach a final at home since Lleyton Hewitt in 2005, will play either seventh seed Iga Swiatek or American 27th seed Danielle Collins in the decider.'</p>.<p><strong>Also Read — <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/tennis/semifinalists-at-australian-open-look-to-make-history-1075156.html" target="_blank">Semifinalists at Australian Open look to make history</a></strong></p>.<p>Barty said she cannot wait to play on Saturday. "Absolutely. Let's do it," a beaming Barty said on court. "It is unreal. Honestly, it is just incredible. I love coming out here and playing in Australia and, as an Aussie, we are exceptionally spoiled that we are a Grand Slam nation (and) we get to play in our backyard and I am just happy that I get to play my best tennis here."</p>.<p>"I've done well before and now we have a chance to play for a title. It is unreal," she said.</p>.<p>She paid tribute to her American opponent, who endured a difficult 2021 but has started the season brightly. "It is just so nice to see her back where she belongs. She is an amazing human being," she said.</p>.<p>"You see the way she carries herself on the court. She smiles and she gives it her best. But I love most that she is a great person. We really respect her and we love her."</p>.<p><strong>Watch the latest DH Videos here:</strong></p>
<p> Ash Barty stood one win away from ending Australia's 44-year wait for a home-grown champion after she defeated American Madison Keys 6-1 6-3 in the Australian Open semi-final on Thursday.</p>.<p>The Wimbledon champion continued her remarkable run during the past fortnight in Melbourne Park and reached the final without dropping a set, losing just 21 games in six matches. Victory on Saturday would make Barty the first local to win the Australian Open since Chris O'Neil in 1978.</p>.<p>Barty, who is the first Australian to reach a final at home since Lleyton Hewitt in 2005, will play either seventh seed Iga Swiatek or American 27th seed Danielle Collins in the decider.'</p>.<p><strong>Also Read — <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/tennis/semifinalists-at-australian-open-look-to-make-history-1075156.html" target="_blank">Semifinalists at Australian Open look to make history</a></strong></p>.<p>Barty said she cannot wait to play on Saturday. "Absolutely. Let's do it," a beaming Barty said on court. "It is unreal. Honestly, it is just incredible. I love coming out here and playing in Australia and, as an Aussie, we are exceptionally spoiled that we are a Grand Slam nation (and) we get to play in our backyard and I am just happy that I get to play my best tennis here."</p>.<p>"I've done well before and now we have a chance to play for a title. It is unreal," she said.</p>.<p>She paid tribute to her American opponent, who endured a difficult 2021 but has started the season brightly. "It is just so nice to see her back where she belongs. She is an amazing human being," she said.</p>.<p>"You see the way she carries herself on the court. She smiles and she gives it her best. But I love most that she is a great person. We really respect her and we love her."</p>.<p><strong>Watch the latest DH Videos here:</strong></p>