Ash Barty, you made us all proud to be Aussies

Ash Barty has done it again. Having won the Australian Open she identified as a very proud Australian. How parochial to be reminded by the Queensland Premier that Barty is, of course, first and foremost a Queenslander. The unhealthy state of our Federation is once again evidenced in the statements of our premiers. We all come from a state, but it is our nation that defines us. Donald Bradman, Robert Menzies, Bob Hawke, Weary Dunlop, Rod Laver, Margaret Court, Cathy Freeman, Lew Hoad and Ken Rosewall were all Australians first and foremost.

In the battle of this pandemic, such state parochialism is the enemy of our nation’s well-being. Premiers, lift your gaze to the national good.

David Cook, Drummoyne, NSW

The sporting gods would surely approve of such a hugely talented and totally authentic Aussie lass breaking a decades-long hoodoo for her country. The theatre gods intervened briefly in the second set and deemed that the tall American with attitude and a killer backhand would lead 5-1, putting Australians on the edges of their seats. To Ash Barty, her support team and all the gods, thanks for the memories. A final for the ages.

Bob Miller, Wembley, WA

Great news on Ash Barty’s win. We can only hope it is the start of a good year so that we can put the insanity of the past two years behind us.

As an elderly couple, my wife and I would like to return to normal life and do the things we enjoy such as cruising and going on holidays interstate and overseas. We are happy to have the Covid booster with our annual flu jab, but we want to dispense with all the other measures that have been enforced on us in the name of protecting us from the virus. In reality, our politicians are relishing the power they have given themselves.

The coming election could be critical. Scott Morrison has been a disappointment and far too much on the left, but Anthony Albanese could be very much worse, and if Jacinda Ardern is an example of left-wing politics, it could mean returning to managing the virus with the insane policies of the past.

R. Watson, Sunnybank Hills, Qld

Ash Barty showed an outstanding ability to keep her cool and extricate herself from a seemingly hopeless position in the second set. Along with her amazing demeanour in dealing with others, it’s apparent she’d be a wonderful ambassador for Australia when she discontinues her tennis career, if a future government has the wisdom to disregard political handouts to mates.

William C.L. Horn, Blairgowrie, Vic

They are a classy double act – one of this newspaper’s Australians of the Year and the official Australian of the Year. Indeed, whether at home or abroad, they do themselves, tennis and Aussies proud.

And win or lose, with their strong work ethic, their attitude with gratitude and providing role model inspiration to many, Ash Barty and Dylan Alcott are not only champions, but they’re at the top of their human game, too.

Mandy Macmillan, Singleton, NSW

It was truly heart-warming to witness on TV the bonding of the Special K duo, Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis. How the Ancient Greeks would have loved their display of true comradeship. An example to us all in this day and age. And, of course, Ash Barty was truly inspiring

R.C. Moreau, Bingil Bay, Qld

Novak Djokovic’s non-appearance at the Australian Open did not prevent it from being the best one ever. His presence was certainly not missed.

Michael Afaras, Henley, NSW

How good is that – Ash winning the women’s singles, the Special Ks winning the men’s doubles and Aussie finalists in the mixed doubles and wheelchair singles?

S.K. Peatfield, Brisbane, Qld

Ash had our hearts already, win or lose, at the Australian Open, but in the final she proved what makes a gentle-sportswoman.

Lutz Wolf, Auchenflower, Qld

Calm, poised, backhand slice, no grunt and fully vaccinated. What a winner.

Murray Horne, Cressy, Vic

How good is that: a young woman so glad “to be Aussie”? To appreciate what she has and her opportunities.

Pam Cupper, Dimboola, Vic