Ashleigh Barty: I need to get Madison Keys off balance

The top-seed and world’s number one Ashleigh Barty has been praised by two-time Melbourne champion Jim Courier, who compared her backhand slice to that of legend Roger Federer.

“That’s very kind of Jim. I think everyone’s backhands are unique. Roger has one of the most outstanding backhands in tennis, mine is very far from that”, said modestly Ashleigh Barty, who is chasing her first Australian Open title. “But I like to use my slice, to be creative with it, to use it in attack and defense. In the course of my career, I learned that this is a weapon for me and I try to use it when I have to”, added she.

Australian Ashleigh Barty will face American Madison Keys in the women’s semifinals.

“Madison Keys is a great athlete. She has excellent service. I have to try to put her in an awkward position and get her off balance”, said Ashleigh Barty said in anticipation of the semi-final clash.