Barty and Sanders move to Adelaide final over Kichenok and Mirza

Ashleigh Barty guaranteed herself at least one final in Adelaide and as she and Sanders will content the doubles final of the event. Barty is also through to the singles semifinals so there is a chance the Australian might play in two finals at the event. In this match, she and Sanders once again showcased a very good doubles level and familiarity with each other.

They faced solid competition from Kichenok and Mirza, two players that have extensive doubles experience as well. Early on, it was Barty and Sanders who dominated the match taking the first set with 6-1. Kichenok and Mirza had trouble dealing with the extra deep returns of their opponents and the Australians were able to cruise.

The 2nd set was decided by a lackluster start of the 2nd set by the Australians. A bit of unserious play and a lapse in focus allowed their opponents to take an early break and they would be able to hold that lead for the rest of the set. Kichenok and Mirza ultimately won it 6-2 to send it to a match tiebreak. It was a very closely contested one where both teams had a chance.

Barty and Sanders were on top early and usually maintained some distance between themselves and their opponents. At 7-5, Mirza and Kichenok made a final push to make it 7-7 but Barty and Sanders jumped out to a 9-7 lead once more before closing it out with 10-8.