Barty lost the world number one crown to Naomi Osaka following upset losses in her previous two tournaments, but stands to regain her spot at the pinnacle with a Cincinatti Masters final appearance.

The opportunity was gifted by Osaka, who was forced to withdraw from the US masters tournament following an injury.

Barty can now move back into top spot before the US Open by beating two-time Grand Slam champion Svetlana Kutznetsova in her semi-final, with her ageing superstar opponent hitting form amid a barren streak herself.