Barty breaks 44-year hoodoo to win Australian Open

An imperious Ashleigh Barty said it was a dream come true on Saturday after becoming the first Australian to win her home Grand Slam in 44 years, but the memories made along the way were more important than the trophy. The world No 1 was 5-1 down in the second set against fearless American Danielle […]

An imperious Ashleigh Barty said it was a dream come true on Saturday after becoming the first Australian to win her home Grand Slam in 44 years, but the memories made along the way were more important than the trophy.

The world No 1 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’s a dream come true for me and I’m just so proud to be an Aussie,” said Barty.