Ash Barty ended a 44-year wait for homegrown women’s champion as she defeated Danielle Collins 6-3, 7-6 (2) on Saturday to win the Australian Open.
Barty won the crown in style as she did not drop a single set through the fortnight. Tennis legend and fellow Australian Evonne Goolagong Cawley presented Barty with the trophy.
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“This is just a dream come true for me,” the 25-year-old Barty said. “I’m just so proud to be an Aussie.”
🇦🇺 Two generations. Two icons. 💙@ashbarty • #AusOpen • #AO2022 pic.twitter.com/rPQHW6vUJ7
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 29, 2022
The Australian has now won majors on all three surfaces. She had won the 2019 French Open and 2021 Wimbledon title.
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Barty was the first Australian woman into the singles final here since since Wendy Turnbull in 1980 and is now the first Australian champion since Chris O’Neil in 1978.
A Grand Slam champion on three different surfaces, you are the complete player @AshBarty and I am so happy for you tonight. There’s nothing like winning at home, congratulations #AO2022 champion, it is wonderful to be here for this moment and to celebrate with Australia. 🚀
— Rod Laver (@rodlaver) January 29, 2022
The only wobble for the Australian came in the second set. But she clawed back from 1-5 down to take the set in a tei-break.
There is just no better tennis player at the moment than @ashbarty
Most complete and focused! The way she is able to put pieces together and add a bit more to her game is absolutely admirable! What an example!
Congrats champ to you and all your team ❤️
— victoria azarenka (@vika7) January 29, 2022
The 28-year-old Collins was the fourth American to take on Barty in four consecutive rounds. Barty had beaten Anisimova, Jessica Pegula and 2017 U.S. Open runner-up Madison Keys in straight sets.
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“As an Aussie, the most important part of this tournament is being able to share it with so many people,” Barty said.
“This crowd is one of the most fun I’ve ever played in front of. You relaxed me, forced me to play my best tennis.”
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Collins is the second former college player to reach the Australian Open final in as many years after Jennifer Brady was runner-up to Osaka in 2021.
The 28-year-old has compiled a 42-11 record since returning from endometriosis surgery last May.
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She will make her Top 10 debut next week as a result of her first Grand Slam final showing, and will also become the American No.1.
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