Barty keeps dream alive, eases into semis

LONDON – Ashleigh Barty kept alive her dream of winning the women’s Wimbledon title on the 50th anniversary of fellow indigenous Australian Evonne Goolagong Cawley’s first win by easing into the semifinals on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old outclassed unseeded compatriot Ajla Tomljanovic 6-1, 6-3 to set up what promises to be a far more serious test of her ability on Thursday when she faces 2018 champion Angelique Kerber.

Barty is the first Australian woman to reach the last four at Wimbledon since Jelena Dokic in 2000.

“It’s the ultimate test,” said Barty. “Angie’s had success here before. I love that match-up. She knows her way around this court and I know I need to play well to give myself a chance in that match.

“This is a dream come true.”

Barty seized control of the match from the off breaking Tomljanovic twice early on and then broke the 28-year-old for a third time to win the first set 6-1.

Tomljanovic’s boyfriend Matteo Berrettini tried to rally her spirits with applause from the guest box – though the men’s quarterfinalist looked far from confident licking his lips nervously – as she prepared to receive serve from Barty at the beginning of the second set.