But Barty’s titanic feat to become the first local to win an Australian Open singles title since Chris O’Neil in 1978 stood above any other achievement her compatriots managed.
It was the final goal the dominant former world No.1 wanted to tick off after winning the Wimbledon title in July last year,following her grand slam breakthrough at Roland Garros in 2019.
“There’s no right way,there’s no wrong way – it’s just my way,” Barty said in her retirement video with close friend and former doubles partner Casey Dellacqua.
“It’s the first time I’ve actually said it out loud and,yeah,it’s hard to say,but I’m so happy,and I’m so ready. I don’t have the physical drive,the emotional want,and everything it takes to challenge yourself at the very top of the level anymore. I am spent.”
Barty’s coach,Craig Tyzzer,was a deserving winner of the coaching performance (excellence) category,while she also presented her idol,fellow Indigenous champion Evonne Goolagong Cawley,with the Spirit of Tennis award.
Her retirement announcement triggered a tidal wave of tributes for a player who was never obsessed with racking up records and hated being away from home,and family,for long periods.
Barty has repeatedly made clear this second retirement is different to her first,emphatically refuting any comeback suggestions as recently as November while launching her autobiography,My Dream Time.
She still finishes with a formidable on-court resume,including being the year-end No.1 for three straight years (2019-21),and holding top spot for the fourth-longest streak (114 consecutive weeks) and seventh-most overall (121).
Barty also reached three grand slam doubles finals alongside Dellacqua,winning 15 singles titles,another 12 in doubles and almost $24 million in career prizemoney.
OTHER AWARDS
Spirit of Tennis:Evonne Goolagong Cawley
Coaching Excellence (club):David Grainger,Henley South Tennis Club
Coaching Excellence (development):Luke Bourgeois,Voyager Tennis Academy
Coaching Excellence (performance):Craig Tyzzer
Excellence in Officiating:Robyn Tucker
Female Junior Athlete of the Year:Talia Gibson and Taylah Preston
Male Junior Athlete of the Year:Edward Winter
Most Outstanding Athlete with a Disability:Heath Davidson
Most Outstanding Tennis Club:Collaroy Tennis Club
Most Outstanding Professional Tournament:Euroa Lawn Tennis Club Labour Day
Most Outstanding School:Aitken Creek Primary School
Most Outstanding 35+ Tennis Senior:Jarrod Broadbent
Volunteer Achievement Award:Julie Polkinghorne