Australian Open: Claiming home Grand Slam was ‘a little surreal’ says Ash Barty
- Seb Sternik
- 30 January 2022
Ashleigh Barty stamped her name into the history books as she became the first Aussie in 44 years to claim a singles title at the Australian Open.
Barty powered to the Grand Slam in straight sets as she beat American Danielle Collins 6-3 7-5.
Her victory at the Rod Laver Arena makes her the first Australian since Chris O'Neil to lift the Daphne Akhurst trophy.
Barty, who didn't drop a single set throughout the tournament, let all her emotions out after coming back from 5-1 down in the second set and winning the tiebreak.
Speaking after the game, the world number one said: "It was a little bit surreal.
"I think I didn't quite know what to do or what to feel, and I think just being able to let out a little bit of emotion, which is a little bit unusual for me, and I think being able to celebrate with everyone who was there in the crowd, the energy was incredible tonight.
"I think being able to understand how much work my team and I have done behind the scenes and over the last few years to get to this point, to be able to have this opportunity was really special. I think it just kind of all came out at once."
Barty entered the tournament as favourite and rarely looked troubled throughout the two weeks.
But despite the favourite tag, the 25-year-old revealed she never felt external expectations.
She said: "I think the expectation was that I would always come out and give my best, and that's all I've ever done.
"I have been close before, but I think now that we've been able to achieve this, I think you guys don't need to talk about it any more.
"You were the ones who added fuel to the fire, because for us it was just the same processes and the same enjoyment, regardless of where we're playing in the world, what round it is.
"That has no impact on how much I enjoy my tennis and go out there or how much I try and compete.
"This fortnight, seven times I got to walk out onto a beautiful court with incredible fans and try and do the best I can do.
"Now to be able to have this part of my dream achieved is amazing, and I think I have to really understand that that came from the processes that we put in with my team and the people that are around me because, without them, I wouldn't be half the person that I am."
