Ashleigh Barty first Australian since 1980 to reach women's singles final in home Grand Slam event

Ashleigh Barty ended a 42-year drought in women's tennis on Thursday at the Australian Open, and she'll have a chance to halt another near-half-cenutry drought in the land down under on Saturday.

The top-ranked women's player in singles play defeated Madison Keys in straight sets 6-1, 6-3 in the semifinals at the Grand Slam event, becoming the first Australian since Wendy Turnbull in 1980 to reach the women's singles final in the tournament. The last Australian woman to win the event was Chris O'Neil in 1978.

The 25-year-old Barty will face 28-year-old American Danielle Collins for the title on Saturday. Collins is the 30th-ranked player in the world and defeated 2020 French Open champion Iga Swiatek 6-4, 6-1 in the other semifinal match on Thursday.

"It's unreal. Honestly, it's just incredible," Barty said following her victory over Keys. "I love coming out here and playing in Australia. ... As an Aussie, we're exceptionally spoiled we get to play in our own backyard. Now we have a chance to play for a title. It's unreal."