Ash Barty wins Australian Open final in straight sets, becoming the first home player in 44 years to lift singles title
- The top seed fought back from two breaks and 5-1 down in the second set to win her third grand slam crown
- The previous Australian player, man or woman, to win the title at home was Christine O’Neil who claimed the crown in 1978
An imperious Ashleigh Barty said it was a dream come true after becoming the first Australian to win her home grand slam in 44 years on Saturday, but the memories made along the way were more important than the trophy.
The world number one was 5-1 down in the second set against fearless American Danielle Collins but came storming back to win on a tiebreak and sweep past the 27th seed 6-3, 7-6 (7-2) and be crowned Australian Open champion.
It was a third slam title for the 25-year-old after her breakthrough French Open success in 2019 and Wimbledon last year, joining Serena Williams as the only active players to win majors on all three surfaces.
“It’s a dream come true for me and I’m just so proud to be an Aussie,” said Barty. “It’s incredible, time and time again we’ve come so close and now to have my hands on such a beautiful trophy after an exceptional fortnight is just unbelievable.
“But for me it’s about the memories more than the trophies, it’s the memories we make from the whole journey. [My team] often talk about it being this incredible journey, this great adventure. It’s about making those things happen along the way and really enjoying it.”