Ash Barty has moved one step closer to her first Australian Open title, defeating Jessica Pegula in straight sets.
The Australian was clinical from start to end, winning the quarter-final 6-2 6-0.
Barty converted five of her nine break-point opportunities during the match, whilst only giving her opponent one break-point opportunity.
She notably broke Pegula's serve on the opening game of each set, setting the tone from the get-go.
The 25-year-old also won all of the last nine games to cap off a dominant display.
How to time things to perfection with @ashbarty 💥
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 25, 2022
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Speaking after the match, Barty was humble as usual.
"That was solid tonight," Barty said.
"I had a lot of fun out here. I was able to serve and find a lot of forehands in the centre of the court and I was happy to take the game on.
"Be aggressive off my forehand, not worry if I miss a couple, as long as I’m doing the right things.
"I feel like I was able to do that throughout the whole match."
Morning, night, DOESN'T MATTER!
— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) January 25, 2022
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The win marks Barty's second appearance in the semi-finals of the Australian Open following her run in 2020.
Although she is not placing too much pressure on herself, she feels as if she has matured since then.
"I mean, I’ve grown as a person, as a player," Barty said.
"I feel like I’m a more complete tennis player.
"I’ve obviously got a couple more years’ experience in my belt in handling different situations and being able to problem-solve out on court.
"I think it’s a credit to my team. They’ve done so much work with me behind the scenes to make the best version of myself.
"I’m loving playing out here. It’s bringing a smile to my face, regardless of what is happening during the points. Hopefully there’s a little bit more left."
Ash Barty will now face Madison Keys in the semi-finals.
The American has enjoyed a strong campaign thus far despite coming into Melbourne Park as an unseeded player.
Barty has a 2-1 H2H record against Keys, in what is likely to be an exciting encounter.
This will be the third player from the United States that Barty has faced this tournament, following wins over Jessica Pegula and Amanda Anisimova.
Her match with Keys is set to take place on Thursday night.