"It's great we have positive stories from the Australian Open and it's been led by Barty" says Tim Henman

The Australian Open was largely overshadowed by the Novak Djokovic saga but Tim Henman feels Ashleigh Barty and her run have turned around the whole narrative about the event.

The event was a very popular piece of news about 10 days ago but for the wrong reasons. People did not talk about tennis but rather laws and judges and deportations. However in the past week or so people have mainly talked about tennis and one of the major talking points is Ashleigh Barty. The Australian is in the final and Henman believes it a great thing.

He said:

"The best bit [about playing at home] is the support. Ashleigh Barty is so popular [here in Australia]. I also think it is great that we had some negative stories before this event started. Now we've got so many positive stories at the end and I think it has been led by Barty."

She will face Danielle Collins in the final and Barty is the clear favourite not having dropped a single set so far at the event. She is playing at home with great support which Henman thinks adds to the pressure of it all:

"But there is going to be pressure if you were to be reading everything in the newspapers, everything that is being said on television and the radio."

Barty herself is extremely happy with the result saying after the semifinal:

"It’s just incredible I love this tournament and playing in Australia. As an Aussie we are incredibly spoilt that we are a Grand Slam nation and we get to play at home. I’m just happy that I get to play my best tennis here. I enjoy it. I’ve done well before and now I have the chance to play for a title. It’s unreal."