Barty survives Collins scare to reach Adelaide final

World No. 1 Ash Barty came from a set down to beat American Danielle Collins 3-6, 6-1, 7-6 (5) in the Adelaide International semifinals on Friday.

Barty will meet world No. 24 Dayana Yastremska in Saturday’s final after the 19-year-old Ukrainian beat Aryna Sabalenka 6-4 7-6 (4).

Collins was bothered by a back injury in the final set. She received treatment and was able to continue.

“It was probably my first real taste (this year) of some adrenaline late in matches,” Barty said. “And that is what we’re after, to try and practice those things as best we can. I felt like I did what I wanted to do well tonight and got over the line.”

Barty beat Yastremska in their only previous meeting last year in Miami.

“I had a good preseason, I worked on a lot of things and I think that’s paying off ... each game, I’m playing better and better,” Yastremska said.

In the men’s draw at Memorial Drive, South African Lloyd Harris reached his first ATP final by defeating fellow qualifier Tommy Paul 6-4, 6-7 (3), 6-3.