Ashleigh Barty party in full swing, speccial for Special Ks and sportsmanship shines through - Australian Open Diary

Everyone joins in on the Barty Party Ashleigh Barty is one of the most admired and beloved world No.1s in the history of sport – a statement that is easily proven by taking a quick glance at social media and seeing the endless stream of congratulatory messages she received from her friends and rivals alike, after her historic Australian Open win on Saturday. Ad/> The 25-year-old ended Australia’s 44-year wait for a home champion at its annual summer showpiece, and a star-studded audience was there to witness it.

Australian OpenWilander believes Nadal 'on a mission for No. 21', Henman claims Medvedev 'has slight edge'3 HOURS AGO From actors Russell Crowe and Saoirse Ronan, to Olympics stars Ian Thorpe and Cathy Freeman, Barty’s crowning moment was shared with a special crowd on Rod Laver Arena — and the trophy ceremony was made all the more iconic when the Queenslander received the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup from her idol and fellow indigenous Australian Evonne Goolagong Cawley.

/> Tributes flooded in as Barty captured a third Grand Slam title with legends like Rod Laver, Billie Jean King and Martina Navratilova all taking to Twitter to send in their congratulations. “There is just no better tennis player at the moment than @ashbarty.

Most complete and focused! The way she is able to put pieces together and add a bit more to her game is absolutely admirable! What an example! Congrats champ to you and all your team,” tweeted former world No. 1 and two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka.