Incredible locker room photo emerges after Ash Barty’s Australian Open win

Ash Barty’s incredible victory in the Australian Open ended nearly half a century of waiting and one of our greatest ever was quick to celebrate.

What a snap.

Ash Barty pulled off a remarkable 6-3 7-6 win over Danielle Collins on Saturday night to claim her first Australian Open title and send tennis fans into meltdown.

Barty was near faultless in the opening set then came back from 5-1 down in the second as Collins wilted under pressure.

It was a remarkable performance from the world No. 1 as she claimed her third grand slam title — adding to her French Open win in 2019 and Wimbledon crown from last year.

Watch Tennis Live with beIN SPORTS on Kayo. Live Coverage of ATP + WTA Tour Tournaments including Every Finals Match. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial >

Barty has now won majors on all three surfaces — clay, grass and hard court — an incredible feat that didn’t go unnoticed by Aussie tennis royalty Rod Laver, who was in the stands to see Barty’s emotional triumph.

“A Grand Slam champion on three different surfaces, you are the complete player @AshBarty and I am so happy for you tonight,” Laver wrote on Twitter. “There’s nothing like winning at home, congratulations #AO2022 champion, it is wonderful to be here for this moment and to celebrate with Australia.

Barty’s success on all three surfaces sees her join Serena Williams as the only other active women’s player to have won majors on grass, clay and hard court.

Laver also shared an incredible backstage photo of Barty holding her trophy alongside Aussie tennis legends including himself, Evonne Goolagong Cawley, Judy Dalton and Chris O’Neill — the last Australian woman before Barty to win the Australian Open singles title, all the way back in 1978.

Backstage with some amazing Aussie tennis legends, Evonne Goolagong Cawley, Chris O’Neil, Judy Dalton and the one and only @ashbarty - who did something special tonight! pic.twitter.com/w3XinXWdHG

— Rod Laver (@rodlaver) January 29, 2022

What a moment. Picture: David Caird

Dealing with the weight of expectation of a nation hungry for success in our home tournament, Barty handled the occasion perfectly.

The result sees Barty open up a 2633 point lead on top of the WTA rankings ahead of Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka, meaning she’ll likely remain world No. 1 for a while longer.

In an incredible piece of symmetry, New York Times tennis correspondent Christopher Clarey tweeted that Barty had defeated the same four American players en route to her French Open win as she did at Melbourne Park this year.

Crazy that Barty beat the same four American players when she won the French Open and Australian Open

Amanda Anisimova
Madison Keys
Jessica Pegula
Danielle Collins pic.twitter.com/x7giJKYyWV

— Christopher Clarey 🇺🇸 🇫🇷 🇪🇸 (@christophclarey) January 29, 2022

As a hugely popular champion, the tennis world was quick to heap praise on Barty for her incredible achievement.

Ashhhhh!! Always happy to see that big smile when you win.

Enjoy every second of this sweet victory at home, you deserve it 🤗🏆#AusOpen@ashbarty

— Petra Kvitova (@Petra_Kvitova) January 29, 2022

Congrats @ashbarty so happy for you champ 🏆 ❤️ This one is very special and you really deserve it 👏👏👏👏

— Ons Jabeur (@Ons_Jabeur) January 29, 2022

Huge congrats to my friend @ashbarty 🏆

Amazing performance! Sooo happy to see you with that trophy ❤️#ausopen

— Simona Halep (@Simona_Halep) January 29, 2022

Well done Ash! Legend player. Legend person. Legend ambassador for tennis and Australia 👏 pic.twitter.com/K2eTw7btYC

— Darren Cahill (@darren_cahill) January 29, 2022

Goosebumps!! She is the complete player and more importantly an amazing person. The way she handles herself on and off the court is pure class. Congrats Legend such a deserving champion @ashbarty 💛🏆🇦🇺 https://t.co/VY9SgZ6ziD

— Lizette Cabrera (@lizzycabrera97) January 29, 2022

World No. 1 Ash Barty has just become the 1st Australian to win an #AusOpen singles title since Chris O’Neil’s win in 1978.

What a special day for Australia! 🇦🇺

Congratulations, @ashbarty! #AusOpen2022https://t.co/ENiq4eJrPb

— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) January 29, 2022

Wow!!!! That. Is. Grit! Steely performance. So happy for @ashbarty! It’s now a National Barty Party!!! #AusOpenhttps://t.co/PRA95hfcWP

— Kurt Fearnley (@kurtfearnley) January 29, 2022

Ash Barty’s scream after the win was everything. Picture: David Caird

Barty was blown away by the victory on home soil, celebrating with friends and family at Rod Laver Arena.

Hugging former doubles partner and good friend Casey Dellacqua after match point and being presented the trophy by her idol Evonne Goolagong Cawley, no one could wipe the smile off the 25-year-old’s face.

“It’s a dream come true for me and I’m just so proud to be an Aussie,” said Barty.

“It’s incredible, time and time again we’ve come so close and now to have my hands on such a beautiful trophy after an exceptional fortnight is just unbelievable.

“But for me it’s about the memories more than the trophies, it’s the memories we make from the whole journey.

“We (her team) often talk about it being this incredible journey, this great adventure. It’s about making those things happen along the way and really enjoying it.”