(January 29, 2022) World No. 1 Ashleigh Barty became the first Australian to win her home major since 1978 when she defeated 27th-seeded American Danielle Collins 6-3, 7-6(2) on Saturday in Melbourne. This is the Australian’s third major title – she won Wimbledon in 2021 and Roland Garros in 2019. She stands a U.S. Open title away from the career “Grand Slam.” The last Australian to even reach the final in Melbourne was Wendy Turnbull in 1980.
The 25-year-old had to rally from 1-5 down in the second set to close out the match in straight sets. Barty won the tournament without losing a set.
For Danielle Collins, her final two performance launched her into the Top 10 for the first time making her the top American woman in the rankings.
More to follow….