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Ash Barty's parents in heartbreaking near-miss for French Open final

Ashleigh Barty's improbable charge to the French Open final has seemingly caught even her fondest two fans off guard.

Barty's parents will have to make do watching the biggest match of their daughter's life in Britain after failing to make it in time to Paris.

Planning to support the 23-year-old during the grass-court season, Josie and Robert Barty booked a flight to the UK last month and were only due to arrive hours before Saturday night's title match at Roland Garros.

Barty was the Wimbledon junior champion in 2011 at just 15 and most, including her devoted mum and dad, expected the All England Club to be the most likely setting for any grand slam breakthrough for the rapidly-rising 23-year-old.

The world No.8 - who is now assured of a rise to No.3 on Monday, or second in the rankings if she beats unseeded Czech teenager Marketa Vondrousova in the final - reached her maiden WTA Tour final on the Birmingham grass two years ago.

Ashleigh Barty with dad Robert and mum Josie at the 2017 Newcombe Medal.  (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
Ashleigh Barty with dad Robert and mum Josie at the 2017 Newcombe Medal. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

Barty then upended now-world No.1 Naomi Osaka en route to the title in Nottingham last year before a breakout third-round showing at Wimbledon - just two years into her comeback to tennis - confirmed her grass-court prowess.

While Barty's folks will have to wait to reunite with Australia's first grand slam finalist in almost eight years, the Queenslander won't be lacking support when she bids to have her name etched on the famed Coupe Suzanne-Lenglen.

Barty's agent Nikki Craig has made a mad dash from Australia to France to be courtside on Saturday night.

Also in the Queenslander's courtside box will be long-time coach Craig Tyzzer, Australian Fed Cup captain Alicia Molik and performance coach Ben Crowe, a former sports psychologist for Barty's beloved Richmond AFL team.

If she wins, the champion's cheque for 2.3 million euros ($A3.72 million) should be enough to not have to place the champagne on ice for her jubilant parents.

Even the runner-up's 1.180 million euros ($A1.91 million) pay day ought to be ample reward for the Barty party to celebrate Australia's best grand slam performance since 2010.

Ashleigh Barty celebrates her win against Amanda Anisimova. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
Ashleigh Barty celebrates her win against Amanda Anisimova. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)

One win from grand slam glory

After snatching victory from the jaws of defeat in her semi-final, Barty insists she's primed to win her maiden grand slam.

If Barty sees off the 19-year-old left-hander, she'll become Australia's fourth French Open women's singles champion joining five-time winner Margaret Court, Lesley Bowrey and Evonne Goolagong on the Roland Garros honours board.

It's almost three years since Barty came back to tennis after an 18-month sabbatical where she played cricket in the WBBL for Brisbane Heat.

Her run to the final caps off an astonishing rise from No.623 in the world upon her return in 2016, to the cusp of being crowned the new queen of clay.

"It's amazing. It's been an incredible journey the last three years," she said.

'I'm just so proud of myself the way we were able to go out there and handle it today.

"All things considered, we're in a pretty amazing place now."

Barty survived a first set meltdown against Anisimova as she surrendered a 5-0 lead and two set points before losing a tiebreak.

She then found herself 3-0 down in the second set and staring down the barrel of of a crushing defeat to a player who doesn't turn 18 until August.

But showing huge grit and determination the Ipswich native came from a break down in the second and third sets to set up the biggest match of her career.

"I've probably never done that to myself before ... never been in that situation," she said.

"But I was really happy the way I was able to respond at a set and three-love (down) and really turn the match on its head.

"I'm just so proud of myself the way we were able to go out there and handle it today.

"All things considered, we're in a pretty amazing place now."

After Wednesday's schedule was washed out in Paris, Barty will play her third match in as many days in the final.