LIFE OF THE BARTY!

Australia Celebrates As World No. 1 Beats Danielle Collins To Win Oz Open Title, Ending 44-Year Wait For Hosts

- Prajwal Hegde

Ashleigh Barty leapt into the Melbourne night, eyes closed and fists clenched. She exulted. “Yyyyeeeessesss!” It reverberated through the city, a country, signalling the end of an anxious 44-year wait for an Aussie to clinch the Australian Open.

“It was a little bit surreal. I didn’t quite know what to do or what to feel,” Barty said of her celebration following the 87-minute final against Danielle Collins. “I let out a bit of emotion and celebrated with the crowd. It all came out at once, a really special moment. The energy was incredible tonight.”

Barty’s sure-footed progress this fortnight, dropping just 21 games en route to the final, upped the ante among fans. The Rod Laver Arena, packed to capacity, was adorned by a pantheon of sporting greats, including the man the house is named after Rod Laver. The presence of Ian Thorpe, Cathy Freeman and the last home champion of the year’s opening major Chris O’Neil charged the evening air with anticipation. Barty, however, carried the weight with a lightness of one born to the stage.

The world No.1’s 6-3, 7-6 (2) win on Saturday was her third Grand Slam title after the French Open and Wimbledon crowns. That she has won three major titles on different surfaces is a tribute to the completeness of the Aussie’s game.