‘A dream come true’ – Ashleigh Barty ends Australia’s 44-year wait for an Australian Open champion

Ashleigh Barty delivered a sensational display on home soil to become the first Australian in 44 years to win a singles title at the Australian Open.

World No.1 Barty’s 6-3, 7-6 win over world No.30 Danielle Collins saw her go the entire tournament without dropping a set and pick up her third Grand Slam of her career.

Christine O’Neil was the last Australian of either gender to win the singles tournament in 1978 but Barty’s memorable display will live long in the memory for those in attendance at Rod Laver Arena.

Barty just about managed to hold back the tears upon sealing her first Australian Open triumph, admitting it was a ‘dream come true.’

‘As an Aussie the most important part of this is being able to share it and you guys have been nothing short of exceptional,’ the 25-year-old said.

‘This crowd is one of the most fun I have ever played in front of – you relaxed me and forced me to play my best tennis! Against a champion like Danielle I had to bring that today.

‘This is a dream come true to me and I am so proud to be an Aussie, so thank you so much everyone – we will see you next time!’

Unlike in her previous six matches, the world No.1 took a while to get going in the final with some early nerves forcing her to save break point in just the fourth game.

Those nerves were settled just a game later though as Collins was broken, double faulting on the crucial point to allow the home favourite some early breathing space.

From the smallest of blips in the fourth game to a love-hold a short while later, Barty was now showing the form of a world No.1 and with just 32 minutes on the clock the first set was on the board.

Collins wasn’t going down without a fight though and again started the set strongly, breaking Barty at the first