Ash Barty moved by 'incredible' Australian Open reunion with Evonne Goolagong Cawley

As far as reunions go, there could be few more touching and emotional.

Ash Barty had not seen Evonne Goolagong Cawley for 12 months.

During that time, she had joined Goolagong Cawley as a Wimbledon champion, yet was unable to enjoy the opportunity to celebrate her victory with her idol, mentor and close friend.

Barty was of the understanding Goolagong Cawley would not be at Melbourne Park on Saturday night to watch her Australian Open final against Danielle Collins.

But after defeating Collins 6-3, 7-6 (7-2) to become Australia's first women's singles winner in 44 years, the world number one was in for a shock.

«I thought she wasn't coming,» Barty told reporters after winning her third major singles crown.

«I'd spoken to her earlier in the week, and she was staying at home and not being able to travel down this year. So to have that surprise was amazing. I can't believe Craig (Tiley) kept it a secret.

»It was really special just to be able to give her a hug. It's the first time I've seen her in 12 months.

«We had a few hugs for a few different reasons, and to be able to actually see her in the flesh and chat to her was incredible.»

Barty is the second First Nations woman to win the Australian Open following Goolagong Cawley's four victories between 1974 and 1977.

The significance of the achievement meant so much to Barty.

«To be able to experience that together on such a big occasion, on such a beautiful court, and in a tournament that means so much to both of us, I think it was really nice to have her there just as someone to lean on when I wasn't really sure what to do,» she said.

«She's an amazing human being, and I'm very lucky to be able to call her a friend. I'm very lucky to be able to give her a hug in some of the biggest