Ash Barty finally gets her hands on the holy grail after a 44-year wait for Australia.Credit:Eddie Jim
She had special thanks for her support team,who have guided her through every step of her comeback to tennis,starting in 2016,following a break from the game because of the burden it took on her from her junior days.
“We started together right from the start in the second part of our career,” Barty said.
“We did it altogether. Nobody has changed from[our] team
“I love you guys to death and you are the best in the business. I cannot thank you for all the time and love you put into[me].
The 25-year-old was grateful for the passionate support from the Rod Laver Arena crowd,with the stadium close to full capacity after the Victorian government reduced density restrictions.
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“I think as an Aussie,the most important part of this tournament is being able to share it with so many people and you guys today in the crowd have been nothing shy of exceptional,” Barty said.
“This is just a dream come true for me and I’m so proud to be Aussie. See you next time everyone.”
It was a compelling women’s final which delivered high-level entertainment in a tournament which was in danger of being overwhelmed by a distraction relating to other world No.1 in tennis,Novak Djokovic,who was deported on tournament eve after his visa was cancelled.
Separately,Australian Open officials came under criticism early in the event for forcing some spectators to remove ‘Where is Peng Shaui?’ T-shirts – a reference to ongoing concerns for the welfare of Chinese player Peng Shaui.
That policy was reversed this week and fans were permitted to wear the shirts into the stands.
But while the shirts were freely distributed outside the precinct beforehand,only a smattering of them were seen inside Rod Laver Arena.