Garbine Muguruza beats Simona Halep to set up Sofia Kenin final

Muguruza is unseeded here having dropped well away from the heights that saw her beat Serena Williams to win the French Open in 2016 and Wimbledon a year later.

But the Spaniard’s talents have never been in doubt and, back under the guidance of Conchita Martinez – who coached her to the Wimbledon title in a short-term arrangement – Muguruza has been rejuvenated.

She gave an understated fist pump at the end, and said: “Definitely the mission is to get away from here with a big trophy.

“I believe in myself that I have what it takes to play these kind of matches and to be in this stage. You try to just keep it calm. I’m sure in the right moment there’s going to be a big celebration.”

This was a ding-dong battle, with Muguruza failing to serve out the first set but saving four set points, two at 5-6 and two more in the tie-break, before taking her third chance.

Halep, the 2018 finalist here and looking to add to her own French Open and Wimbledon titles, took her frustration out on her racket but broke the Muguruza serve in the second set and had a chance to serve it out at 5-3.

She could not take it, though, with Muguruza’s defence a revelation as she won the final four games.

Halep made no attempt to put on a brave face, saying: “To lose like this hurts more, definitely. I’m in pain now, I have to admit. But life is going on.

“I think maybe I could be a little bit more brave in the points that were important. She served very well in the important moments. I think it was a good match for both of us, but she was stronger in the end.”

Halep needed hospital treatment after playing a long 2018 final in brutally hot
conditions against Caroline Wozniacki.

“It was very, very hot today and I felt it,” she said. “It killed me after the first set.”

The first semi-final followed almost the same pattern. There was no doubt who Rod Laver Arena was rooting for but Barty was unable to take two set points in either set.

Since making the last eight here 12 months ago, the 23-year-old has won the French Open title and risen to the top of the world rankings, pushing expectations sky high.

But she insisted the pressure had not weighed heavily, saying: “Not at all. I’ve been in a grand slam semi-final before. Yes, it’s different at home.

“I enjoyed the experience. I love being out there. I’ve loved every minute of playing in Australia over the last month.”

Barty conducted her press conference while bouncing her 12-week-old niece Olivia on her lap.

“This is what life is all about,” she said. “It’s amazing.”

Barty kept perspective on her defeat, saying: “I think it was a match where I didn’t feel super comfortable. I felt like my first plan wasn’t working. I couldn’t execute the way that I wanted. I tried to go to B and C.

“It’s disappointing. But it’s been a hell of a summer. If you would have told me three weeks ago that we would have won a tournament in Adelaide, made the semi-finals of the Australian Open, I’d take that absolutely every single day of the week.

“But I put myself in a position to win the match today and just didn’t play the biggest points well enough. I have to give credit where credit’s due. Sofia came out and played aggressively on those points and deserved to win.”

Kenin’s talent and competitive nature marked her out from an early age so it was no surprise to see her rise to the occasion on the biggest day of her tennis life.

The Russian-born Floridian, who has stayed remarkably under the radar despite beating Williams at the French Open last year, will move into the top 10 whatever happens on Saturday.

“I’d like to first apologise to all of the Australian fans,” said Kenin. “I know they wanted her to win. It’s not easy for them. I beat the world number one. I’m so grateful and so happy.

“I’ve dreamed about this moment since I was five years old. I just feel like I’ve always believed in myself. I’ve worked hard. I’ve pictured so many times being in the final, all the emotions, how it’s going to lead up into the final.

“I feel like I’m doing good keeping my emotions. I feel like everything is just paying off. I see all the hard work I’ve been putting is really showing now.”