Ashleigh Barty beats Danielle Collins to become first home Australian Open singles champion since 1978

The world No. 1 was utterly dominant throughout the tournament and clinched a historic title without even dropping a set.Australian tennis fans had to wait more than four decades for one of their own to be crowned Australian Open champion, with the last home win coming courtesy of Chris O’Neil.Barty’s grand slam tally now stands at three — her previous titles coming at the French Open in 2019 and Wimbledon in 2021 — and the 25-year-old is without a doubt currently the most dominant force on the women’s tour.With most of her career likely still ahead of her, the only question remaining around Barty’s grand slam credentials is: how many?”I’ve said numerous times I’m so lucky tonight to have numerous people here that love and support me,” Barty said in her post-match interview. “I’m a fortunate and lucky girl to have so much love in my corner, we started together right from the start. We did it all together, nobody has changed from our team. I love you to death.”As an Aussie the most important part of this tournament is being able to share it with so many people and the crowd, you have been nothing short of exceptional.”This crowd is one of the most fun I’ve ever played in front of and you guys brought me so much joy today and helped me play my best tennis, so thanks for all your love and support over the last couple of weeks.”This is a dream come true for me and I am so proud to be an Aussie. See you next time.”READ: Rafael Nadal is one win away from record-breaking grand slam title after reaching Australian Open finalAt one point, Collins seemed unhappy with a number of the people in the crowd who had begun shouting before the points were finished, leading the umpire to warn those in attendance about their conduct.Barty held serve to level the scores at 5-5 and what looked like 20 minutes ago was going to be a walkover set for Collins had now turned into a slugfest.Both players put in solid service games to take the set to a tie break, though Collins must have been wishing those first serves had come a couple of games earlier.Barty raced into 4-0 lead in the tie break and never looked like losing it from there, eventually closing it out 7-2 — and it was now party time on Rod Laver.After waiting 44 long years, Australia once again has its own grand slam singles champion.