Ash Barty roared with relief after defying intense pressure and expectation to become the first home hope to win the Australian Open singles crown in 44 years.
That was followed by a wonderful moment for Barty as she received the winner’s Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup from seven-time Grand Slam champion and fellow indigenous Australian Evonne Goolagong-Cawley, who won the last of her four Australian Opens in 1977.
“She melts my heart, Evonne, to see her on the court, I’m a very lucky girl,” said Barty of Evonne who was Australia’s tennis darling 50 years ago — a mantle now being taken up by the newest Melbourne Park champion.
“To be able to see Evonne after, I mean I haven’t seen her since this time last year, so we’ve got a few more hugs to celebrate yet, but unbelievable to see her.”
Barty was also lifted by the presence of another indigenous legend, Sydney 2000 Olympics 400m gold medal winner Cathy Freeman, who was also at Rod Laver Arena.
“Looking up at the end and seeing Cathy, I mean she’s an inspiration, she’s been an inspiration to so many people all around the world, but for our heritage, our family, she’s just the best,” said Barty.
“To be able to share that tonight with Evonne and Cathy, it’s a night I’ll never forget.”
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The moment Evonne Goolagong Cawley crowned @ashbarty the #AusOpen women's singles champion ????#AO2022 pic.twitter.com/ASBtI8xHjg
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 29, 2022
