The Great Australian Dream is now a reality! Ashleigh Barty scripts history by becoming the first Aussie to win the Australian Open in 44 years
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Ash Barty
In a packed Rod Laver Arena, World No.1 Ash Barty rewrote the history books by becoming the first Australian to win the Australian Open Singles title in 44 years since Chris O’Neill, in 1978. Barty defeated American Danielle Collins in straight sets 6-3,7-6(2) to win her third grand slam title and maiden Australian Open title.
Barty had an easy outing so far in the tournament but knew that she would be challenged by Collins. The match started with some incredible power-hitting from both flanks and they both tested each others’ serve early on. Barty someone managed to hold serve and was using the crowd support to her advantage. Despite playing well, Collins got broken midway in the opening set and that was all Barty needed. She won the opening set 6-3 and was now just a set away from history.
Ash ‘Comeback’ Barty wins the tournament without dropping a set
Despite being on the back foot, Collins showed immense guts to come back stronger. She was giving it back to the crowd after every point she won and soon took a break’s lead. She was hitting the ball very hard and Barty had no answers to it. But the Australian wasn’t done yet. She was 1-5 down in the second set but managed to get both breaks back to level things at 5-5. After a couple of clutch holds, the set went into the tie-breaker, Barty’s first in the tournament.
The World No.1 showed nerves of steel to get a mini-break early on and since then, there was no looking back. She held serve to perfection and with a combination of defensive slices and offensive forehands, she blasted past Collins to win the tie-breaker and became the first Australian to win the Australian Open in 44 years!
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Lakshya Chopra
(2595 Articles Published)