Australian Open: Sofia Kenin knocks out Ashleigh Barty to book place in maiden Grand Slam final

Australian tennis star Ashleigh Barty crashed out of in the semi-finals of the ongoing Australian Open on Thursday (January 30).

The current world number one lost out to America's Sofia Kenin, who secured her spot in the final of a Grand Slam for the first time in her career.

Kenin won the game in straight sets to secure her spot in the final of the tournament. 

The 21-year-old defeated Barty by 7-6, 7-5 in the semi-final.

With this victory, Kenin also has become the youngest ever to reach the finale of the Australian Open since 2008.

Speaking at the post-match interview, Sofia spoke about Barty and said: “She’s such a tough player, she’s playing really amazing and I knew I really needed to find a way to win.”

“She came up with some really great shots, it was really tough ... There’s a reason why she’s world number one ... I’m just so thankful for this,” she added.

Going into the tie, Barty had previously defeated the American four times and lost just once.

Later on today in the Men's semi-final, Novak Djokovic is set to take on Roger Federer to book a place in the final of the tournament.