Australian Open: Ashleigh Barty wins first Melbourne title by beating Danielle Collins
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"As an Aussie, the most important part of this tournament has been being able to share this experience with the fans.Addressing the crowd, she added: "You relaxed me and forced me to play my best tennis. Thank you." Among those watching was Chris O'Neil, the last Australian to win the men's or women's singles title in Melbourne.Barty, rarely overcome by emotion, shouted with delight when she clinched the title with a cross-court forehand winner.
The 25-year-old Queenslander had dropped only 21 games on her way to the final and, although the second set looked to have got away from her at two breaks down, she regained her composure brilliantly to turn the match back in her favour. Barty, who took a break from tennis in 2014 to pursue a professional cricket career, has often paid tribute to Dellacqua's influence on her success and the kiss on her friend's forehead indicated her gratitude.
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