Briton Katie Swan reaches girls' singles semi-final at the Australian Open
Swan beat top seed Shilin Xu of China 6-2 6-2
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Britain's Katie Swan admitted the thought of playing on Rod Laver Arena had barely crossed her mind after advancing to the semi-finals of the girls' singles in the Australian Open.
Swan, who beat top seed Shilin Xu of China 6-2 6-2 in the previous round, defeated American 11th seed Raveena Kingsley 6-4 6-3 in Thursday's quarter-finals in Melbourne.
The 15-year-old from Bristol, who is now based in Kansas in the United States, will face her friend Dalma Galfi in the last four after the Hungarian fifth seed defeated fourth seed Aliona Bolsova 6-1 7-6 (7/4).
The final will be played in the 15,000-capacity Rod Laver Arena and Swan said: "I didn't know until the players' meeting that that was the deal.
"I was just thinking that's going to be amazing for whoever is in the final. I did not think that would be me. I'm close now and I just have to focus on tomorrow's match. It's a big goal to win a grand slam title, junior and senior."
Annabel Croft was the last British winner of the girls' title in 1984, while Laura Robson reached the final in 2009 and 2010 after winning the junior title at Wimbledon in 2008.
Speaking about her win over Kingsley, 14th seed Swan added: "It was tough. She is a really good player who has had some good results.
"The conditions were really windy and the nerves kicked in too. It was tough but I felt I dealt with all the pressure coming off beating the number one seed. I felt I had to back it up."
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments