Ashleigh Barty in earnest became the first Australian to win a Grand Slam at her home in 44 years on Saturday, stopping the charge of fearless American Danielle Collins in consecutive sets. The world number one fell 5-1 in the second set but bounced back to win by tiebreak and overcame the 27th seed 6-3, 7-6 (7/2). ) to crown the Australian Open champion in front of an expectant Rod Laver Arena crowd. It was the 25-year-old’s third Slam title after breakout success at the French Open in 2019 and Wimbledon last year, joining Serena Williams as the only active player to win major titles on all three sides. Yard.
She achieved the feat alongside Christine O’Neill, the last Australian man or woman to win in Melbourne, watching in the stadium.
O’Neill won the title in 1978 and told reporters before the match: “I’m probably her (Barty’s) biggest fan. I’m happy to give it to her because of her. It’s well deserved.”
“She’s an absolute thinker, she’s a crafty athlete, a bit like a chess player with the way she builds points.”
There are concerns she could be overwhelmed by the weight of expectations, but the Australian has faced intense pressure before, no more so at Wimbledon last year.
Winning at the All England Club was one of those trophies she wanted more than anyone else, and she handled the opportunity wisely.
She applied similar tactical acumen to the resurgent Collins, who enjoyed a new life after surgery last year for endometriosis that left her pain-free, earning two honors. her first WTA brand.
Hit strongly
She countered the 28-year-old’s big and powerful serves with her array of slices, precise serve, speed and a seamless forehand, but she has a grudge. great fear.
Both players were comfortable holding their initial friendlies, creating little chance when they fell in love with each other.
But Collins is using her powerful blows and they are causing trouble.
She hit her first knockdown with Barty serving at 2-2 and a silly forehand earned her the opening break of the night.
However, the Australian player held his ground and served with the trump card.
She then cranked up the gear lever and put pressure on Collins’ serve to earn the first break point with a volley, and the American double blundered under pressure to take a 4-2 lead.
With the crowd cheering, Barty took the lead 6-3 in 32 minutes.
But Collins didn’t finish and came back stormy, overtaking Barty 2-0 in the second set – a fate the Australian has endured just once before this tournament.
Collins defended two break points to keep serve and while Barty claimed victory in her next game of service over love, the American was pushed up and bent 5-1. when the top seed makes two double errors.
Barty was in deep trouble but found an amazing way, breaking 2-5 with some clear winners then breaking again with 4-5 as Collins awkwardly served for set.
Promote
She was forced to have a tiebreak and was always responsible to collect her fourth win in five encounters with Collins and make history for Australia.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from the syndication feed.)
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