Ash Barty breaks 44-year title drought to claim first Australian Open with win over Danielle Collins

Ash Barty has become the first local player to claim the Australian Open women's singles championship in 44 years, with the world number one's idol Evonne Goolagong Cawley presenting her with the winner's trophy.

Barty defeated American Danielle Collins 6-3, 7-6 (7/2) in the final on Rod Laver Arena, breaking the Australian title drought that stretched back to Chris O'Neil's tournament victory at Kooyong in 1978.

It is Barty's third major singles championship, adding to last year's Wimbledon victory and her 2019 French Open triumph.

The world number one is the fifth Australian to lift the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup in the Open era, joining O'Neil, Goolagong Cawley, Kerry Reid and Margaret Court.

Barty's win means she joins Serena Williams as the only active players on the WTA tour to win majors on all three surfaces.

While Barty won in straight sets, the victory did not come easy. She was down a double break to trail 1-5 in the second set, before reeling off four games to level at 5-5.

The set needed to be decided by a tiebreak, which Barty dominated to close out her stunning win.

After receiving Collins's congratulations at the net, Barty let out an almighty scream as the crowd roared in delight. She was embraced by her close friend and former doubles partner Casey Dellacqua courtside, as a smiling O'Neil applauded from the stands.

In another emotional scene, Goolagong Cawley was called upon to present Barty with Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup.

«I am so lucky tonight to have so many people here that love me, support me,» Barty said in her presentation speech.

«It's pretty bloody special that mum and dad, and my sisters are here and I'm so happy they could be here today.

»I am an incredibly fortunate and lucky girl to have so much