Australian Open 2022: Ashleigh Barty brings back the glory

Australia's 44-year ceaseless wait abolishes as home favourite Ashleigh Barty brings the prestigious trophy back home. She defeated America's Danielle Collins by 6-3 7-6(7-2).

Circumstances appeared to be difficult for the two players since neither of them was giving the other a chance to thrive. However, eventually, the world No.1 managed to fetch a straight-set win over her fierce rival. Thus, she managed to prevent Australia's ceaseless wait from extending any further.

Barty showers aces in the first set

The Aussie seemed a lot more precise with her serves and slice shots throughout the whole tournament, compared to her last win at the Wimbledon Open 2021. The first game started off on an excellent note as she consecutively showered a plethora of aces. As a consequence, her sharp and poised Serves established her dominance over the first two games.

However, Collins was unfazed by the situation. In the sixth game, her excellent backhand placed Barty's serves beneath pressure, securing her a breakpoint. Although, Barty adapted to the situation rapidly and her poised forehand shot coerced the score to deuce. As a finishing touch, her razor-sharp ace fetched her the game. Nevertheless, In the sixth game, the first set's turning point occurred as Barty scored the match's opening breakpoint. Collins did not get much chance to play with her aggressive technique as an experienced Barty changed the tactics that resulted in the American committing a Double fault.

Eventually, happiness flooded the Rod Laver arena as the home Favourite Ashleigh Barty conquered the first set by 6-3.

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Collins depicts a startling comeback

Collins, who was clearly devastated to lose the very first set, bounced back swiftly to start the second in a strong manner. She won the first game and destroyed Barty for the first time. Then she fell to her knees and shouted in delight as she embraced the 2-0 lead. The situation seemed to take a drastic turn as she rapidly improved her baseline game and claimed all the lengthy rallies which helped to set the score to 0-3. Afterwards, in the blink of an eye, the avid fanatics in Rod Laver suffered from a mild shock as the American gained advantage upon every unforced error by Barty. Her turnaround was truly remarkable.

Barty's tenacity shone through, and she went ahead to lengthen the set by one more game. She quickly changed her tactics and started depicting a Base-line based gameplay, which is commonly seen in Rafael Nadal's gameplay.

When Barty earned her fourth straight game to tie the set at 5-5, Rod Laver Arena burst into applause, but Collins ended the streak when she retained service. The tie-break was dominated by Barty as she took the lead. Danielle Collins tried to stage a comeback, but Barty's confidence was unstoppable, as she delivered a forehand on victory point. Hence, the Australian Open 2022 received their champion, as Ashleigh Barty put an end to the home nation's 44-year old wait for a Grand slam Women's singles champion by defeating Danielle Collins.

The champion's words

Ash Barty expressed her immense excitement after winning the title. In her words, "Thank you very much. Congratulations to Danielle and your team. You're in the Top 10, that's the way to go. You'll have many more of these. The last couple of years have been really tough for everyone and it takes a lot to organise a tournament like this. You make the players feel so welcome. Thank you to the ball kids and volunteers, you make it so easy for all of us. Of course to my team. Wow, it's just, I have said it numerous times that I am so lucky to have so many people love and support me. My mum, dad and sister are here and I am so wrapped that they could make it. I am the luckiest girl for having so much love in my corner. You guys are the absolute best in the business and thank you for putting so much into me."

"Being an Aussie, the crowd has been nothing short of exceptional. This crowd is the most fun to play in front of you. You guys forced me to bring my best tennis and against Danielle I needed it. Thank you. It's an absolute dream come true being an Aussie. See you next time," she added further.

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It was Barty's third major singles championship, including last year's Wimbledon victory and her 2019 French Open conquest. With this historical win, three-time grand slam champion Barty becomes the First Nations woman to win the tournament after Goolagong Cawley's four victories from 1974 to 1977.

Also, She joins O'Neil, Goolagong Cawley, Kerry Reid, and Margaret Court as the fifth Australian to win the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup in the Open era.