Australian Open live blog: Ash Barty beats Danielle Collins to win historic women's singles title

World number one Ash Barty brings the Australian Open women's title down under for the first time in 44 years, fighting back from two breaks down in the second set to beat Danielle Collins 6-3, 7-6 (7/2) in the final.

Follow live.

To leave a comment on the blog, please log in or sign up for an ABC account.

By Paul Johnson

Ash Barty has won her first Australian Open title with a 6-3, 7-6 (7/ 2) victory over 27th-seeded American Danielle Collins

The Australian ended a 44-year drought for local women and in doing so won her third major title after the 2019 French Open and 2021 Wimbledon titles.

The last Australian woman to win her home major was Chris O'Neil in 1978.

By Paul Johnson

1-0 Barty — Collins hits a forehand long

2-0 Barty — backhand long from Collins

3-0 Barty

4-0 Barty

4-1 Barty

5-1 Barty

5-2 Barty — Collins forces an error

6-2 Barty

7-2 Barty

By Paul Johnson

Some big serving from Barty gets her out of some trouble there to force a tiebreak.

The Australian was down 15-30 but got herself out of it.

Here we go.

7 points for glory.

By Paul Johnson

That was massive for the American.

After losing 4 consecutive games and being broken twice while serving for the set she manages to hold for a 6-5 lead.

After dropping the first point Collins went  on the offensive and forced Barty into errors.

A first serve that forced a backhand error from Barty ultimately gave her the hold.

By Paul Johnson

Unbelievable comeback from the Australian and it's now 5-all.

Her serve which had been missing for the bulk of this set has returned and she has taken back control of her game and the match.

Barty held that game to 30 with an ace.

That came on the back of a big off-forehand and a pair of huge serves.

By Paul Johnson

The nerves might be jangling now for Danielle