Ash Barty overcame Madison Keys in straight sets in the semi-finals, winning 6-1 6-3 against the unseeded American.

The 25-year-old Queenslander continues to show excellent form in 2022, having won all 10 of her singles matches this year.

The Wimbledon champion has not dropped a set in her six matches at Melbourne Park this month, conceding just 21 games on her way to the final and dropping serve just once.

Image source, Getty Images

Laura Robson
Former British number one on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra

From the very first match she played, Barty has been incredble. She's hit her opponents off the court, not only with pace, but with variation. She's been number one in every way you can think of.

There's a lot of pressure with the home crowd behind you and everyone wants her to win tonight.

We can't forget her opponent. Danielle Collins was blasting the ball - it's an all-systems-go tactic - a much tougher opponent.

I want to see a really competitive match.

Image source, Getty Images

Ash Barty says she does not pay attention to social media while competing, describing herself as like a hermit.

She has cut a relaxed figure during this tournament, including playing cricket with her team, external in the players' area.

"Australians are hungry for sport. They love it. They're addicted to it," Barty said of Australia's relationship with tennis.

"I think at this time of the year it always floats around with tennis that they're looking for an Australian player in particular to have a really good run."

Jonathan Jurejko
BBC Sport at Melbourne Park

Image source, BBC Sport

Australia is gearing up for the ultimate Barty Party tonight.

An estimated two million people will tune in for tonight's final, according to Nine Television's tennis anchor Tony Jones.

That's a high number over here and shows how desperate the nation is for Ash Barty to become the first home Australian Open champion since 1978.

The 25-year-old Queenslander's face is plastered around Melbourne Park, across a 20-feet billboard in the shadow of the famous Flinders Street station and a big screen in the city's main shopping area.

Barty has struggled to get over the line in recent years, most notably in the 2020 semi-finals, but her Wimbledon success might well help her overcome the stifling expectation.

Image source, BBC Sport

And here's how Danielle Collins made it here:

R1: Caroline Dolehide [Q] 6-1 6-3

R2: Ana Konjuh 6-4 6-3

R3: Clara Tauson 4-6 6-4 7-5

R4: Elise Mertens [19] 4-6 6-4 6-4

QF: Alize Cornet 7-5 6-1

SF: Iga Swiatek [7] 6-4 6-1

Here's a reminder of Ash Barty's route to today's final.

R1: Lesia Tsurenko 6-0 6-1

R2: Lucia Bronzetti 6-1 6-1

R3: Camila Giorgi [30] 6-2 6-3

R4: Amanda Anisimova 6-4 6-3

QF: Jessica Pegula [21] 6-2 6-0

SF: Madison Keys 6-1 6-3

Looking to crash the party is Danielle Collins, who is hunting for her maiden Slam.

The 28-year-old American made her breakthrough run in Melbourne in 2019, when she reached the semi-final on her debut having never won a major match in five previous Grand Slam appearances.

After undergoing endometriosis surgery last year, she is in her first major final.

She has had to come from a set behind twice this tournament, but dismantled seventh seed Iga Swiatek to reach the final.

Image source, Getty Images

It's set to be a real party at Melbourne Park today.

Not only is Ash Barty contesting the women's singles final but, following that match on the Rod Laver Arena, there's also an all-Australian men's doubles final for the home crowd to enjoy.

That sees Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis take on Matthew Ebden and Max Purcell.

We'll bring you coverage of that later.

Image source, Getty Images

Jonathan Jurejko
BBC Sport at Melbourne Park

Image source, BBC Sport

On the way into Melbourne Park - through the entrance on the side of the River Yarra, for those who know it - there is an art exhibition which is celebrating 100 years of the women's tournament.

Illustrations of 17 of the Australian Open's greatest women's champions, all about four feet high and sketched on white acetate, depict the likes of Billie Jean King, Naomi Osaka and Evonne Goolagong Cawley - the Australian who is Ashleigh Barty's idol - in iconic poses.

Barty isn't there, of course. But if she wins tonight the Queenslander will be immortalised in Australian sporting history.

Image source, BBC Sport

Ashleigh Barty is the first home player to reach the Australian Open women's singles final in 42 years.

But the 25-year-old top seed, who went out at the semi-final stage in 2020, is now just one win away from becoming the first Australian - man or woman - to win the singles title since Christine O'Neil in 1978.

Image source, BBC Sport

Ash Barty. Danielle Collins.

Australia is gearing up for a party. The American is hoping for an upset.

Who will be the 2022 Australian Open women's singles champion?

It all comes down to this.

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