Battling Ash Barty Breaks 44-year Hoodoo to Win Australian Open
News 18An imperious Ashleigh Barty became the first Australian to win her home Grand Slam in 44 years Saturday, halting the charge of fearless American Danielle Collins in straight sets. The world number one was 5-1 down in the second set but came storming back to win on a tiebreak and sweep past the 27th seed 6-3, 7-6 to be crowned Australian Open champion in front of an expectant Rod Laver Arena crowd. “She is an absolute thinker, she’s a craftsperson, a bit like a chess player with how she constructs the points.” There were fears she might be overwhelmed by the weight of expectation, but the Australian has dealt with intense pressure before, none more so than at Wimbledon last year. But Collins wasn’t done and came storming back, breaking Barty for 2-0 in the second set — a fate the Australian has suffered just once before this tournament.