Dream now a reality: Ash Barty crowned 2021 Wimbledon champion
Ash Barty defeats Karolina Pliskova in three sets on a landmark day in sporting history.
Ash Barty is the 2021 Wimbledon ladies’ singles champion, defeating Karolina Pliskova 6-3 6-7 (4) 6-3 on a landmark day in Australian sporting history. Read how it unfolded below.
Courtney Walsh4.20am:Winning nothing short of a miracle: Barty
As Ash Barty celebrated a famous triumph, the new Wimbledon champion said it was nothing short of a miracle that she was even fit enough to compete in the tournament.
The world No. 1 became the first Australian woman since her idol Evonne Goolagong Cawley in 1980 to claim the Wimbledon title when too strong for Karolina Pliskova in a final that finished early Sunday AEST.
The 25-year-old started brilliantly, winning the first 13 points and then rebounded splendidly from a disappointment late in the second set to prevail 6-3 6-7 (4) 6-3 in 1hr 56min.
It is an astonishing triumph for several reasons, not least because of the fact Barty barely made it to the starting line as she raced the clock to recover from a hip injury.
The Australian was forced to withdraw from Roland Garros with the hip problem in the second round when favoured to win the title and spent the next three weeks recovering.
It was not until after her triumph that Barty, who was in tears when greeting her camp inside the Wimbledon clubhouse, was told by them just how bad the injury actually was.
“Just even chatting to my team now, once we’ve come off the court, they kept a lot of cards close to their chest and didn’t tell me a lot of the odds, didn’t tell me a lot of the information they they’d gotten from other specialists,” she said.
“There weren’t too many radiologists in Australia who had seen my injury. In a sense, it was a two month injury. Being able to play here at Wimbledon was nothing short of a miracle.
“I think them not telling me that just proved how much we were against the odds. I think now, to be playing pain-free though this event, was incredible.”
Barty was yet to speak to family members when she began her press duties following her three-set triumph shortly after 3am AEST.
But she had an opportunity to speak to members of the Royal Family including the Duke and Duchess of Kent as well as tennis royalty in Billie Jean King and Martina Navratilova.
Tour friends including Simona Halep, who won the last Wimbledon played in 2019, and dual-winner Petra Kvitova were among those to post their congratulations on social media.
Barty played throughout the past fortnight wearing a dress similar in style to that worn by Goolagong Cawley when she won her first Wimbledon title in 1971. It was her tribute to the icon.
The Australian said it felt as though her ability to recover swiftly and to deliver on the 50th anniversary of her friend’s maiden victory at the All England Club was feted.
“Australians have such a rich history in sport and I think being able to be a very small part of that is something that I have always dreamt of, to try and create a legacy, try and create a path for young girls and boys to believe in their dreams,” she said.
“Being able to kind of live through that and learn my lessons along the way has been some of the best parts of my journey. To be able to be successful here at Wimbledon, to achieve my biggest dream, has been absolutely incredible.
“The stars aligned for me over the past fortnight. It is incredible that it happened to fall on the 50th anniversary of Evonne’s first title here too.”
The 2019 Roland Garros champion started the final brilliantly against Pliskova, winning the first 13 points of the match.
But the Czech, who made a final at the US Open in 2016, found her rhythm from 1-3 in the second set, only for Barty to seize what appeared a crucial break at 5-all.
But a double fault on the opening point when trying to serve out the championship sparked a change in momentum, with Pliskova also fortunate with the net cord twice in the tiebreaker.
Barty regrouped immediately and played a superb third set, again starting with a sizzle when claiming the first three games.
She did face a break point when serving at 5-3 and was under pressure in the point, but defended brilliantly in a tense moment before closing out the match two points later.
“I think there were small runs of opportunities on second serves from both of us. Think that was the challenge today, was trying to control my service games as clean as possible,” she said.
“It was just about going out there and backing myself in and trying to execute as best as I could. I think being able to reset at the start of the third was really important, just for me to continue to turn up each and every point.
“That is all I was really focusing on, just trying to do the best I could every given point, regardless of what the scoreline was.”
The next step on court is in Tokyo, with the Wimbledon champion determined to represent Australia with distinction in the Olympic Games later this month.
But celebrations were to come first. The Barty camp in London were planning a small party in the city later on Saturday.
Her family at home was celebrating a wonderful victory in south-east Queensland overnight. She was full of praise for their influence.
“I think I’ve just tried to live by my values that my parents instilled in me,” she said.
“I mean, it’s more important to be a good person than it is to be a good tennis player. So I think that is always my priority, is making sure I am a good human being.
“I am extremely lucky that I was able to have an opportunity to learn how to play the game of tennis. But I think being a good human being is absolutely my priority every single day.”
Jacquelin Magnay1.19am:Dream comes true: Barty crowned Wimbledon champion
To a deafening roar of the Centre Court crowd, Ashleigh Barty has won the ladies’ Wimbledon final, realising a childhood dream and joining the same winner’s clique as mentor Evonne Goolagong, following a tough three set rollercoaster battle against the former number one Karolina Pliskova, 6-3 6-7 6-3.
It has taken four long decades for this one cherished moment to arrive: an Australian lifting the Venus Rosewater Dish aloft at Wimbledon centre court. And in what topsy turvy style it transpired, with the result being the first three setter final in nine years.
how it started: how it’s going: pic.twitter.com/CBkVRuxYgS
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 10, 2021
Barty released a month of emotional baggage as she pumped her arms, falling to the court, holding her cap and openly crying – for this was a tournament that she believed just four weeks ago was out of her grasp because of a nasty fall on her hip during the French Open.
Barty climbed up to see her support team after the victory and later said: “this is incredible” thanking “every single person in the stadium” for making her dream so special.
But in front of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and celebrities including actor Tom Cruise, Barty exorcised the frustrations of at least two generations of female Australian tennis players in a match fraught with frustrations from both players.
From her opening serve, with two aces, Barty won a remarkable 14 points in a row, paralysing Pliskova, 29, who made repeated errors. The big-serving Czech was a bundle of nerves, off her game and Barty exploited that fragility with elegant crosscourt forehand drives, big serves and an occasional deft backhand slice.
But then Pliskova hit back in the second set, finding her huge 185km/h serve. Even so when the score was 5-5 and down 0-40 Barty hustled to win the game but she then failed to serve out for the match and then lost the tie-breaker.
Fired up after allowing the match to slip, Barty responded to win the first three games of the third set and despite long rallies and increasing fatigue Barty was pushed to deuce on her serve, but fired down an ace and forced an error from Pliskova to triumph.
Barty not only picked up a winners cheque of over $3 million, she has recalibrated Australia’s international reputation.
Australia is once again restored to its rightful place, as a giant of sporting prowess, led by its sportswomen.
Barty, who has been out of the country since March preparing for this moment with tournaments in the United States and Europe, may not know when or how she will be able to return to Australia because of the current flight cap restrictions. But none of that matters for she will now go to Tokyo and strive for an Olympic gold medal, before contesting the US circuit and aim to repeat her success on the US hardcourts.
Coach Craig Tyzzer, who masked his own nerves in the player’s box alongside Barty’s boyfriend Garry Kissick, said the year long lay-off because of the coronavirus pandemic rekindled Barty’s hunger for game.
“Because we missed all of last year, in the end Ash really missed playing tennis, the competition, that side of it, she really put her head down and said, ‘Okay, if this is what we have to do, this is what we have to do’. She’s accepted it a lot better. It’s still never easy leaving home.”
Back in Australia, Barty’s parents Rob and Josie, sisters Sara and Ali and their children, were intently following the match.
Barty said she had only got this far because of the work from her physiotherapist Melanie Omizzolo and trainer Matthew Hayes who helped with the rehabilitation of her hip.
Emulating Pat Cash's climb to the players' box, compatriot @AshBarty continues the tradition as #Wimbledon champion 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/EdQh7rryeR
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 10, 2021
It helps too that Barty is gracious and humble, a throwback to the charming Evonne Goolagong whose feat she has just emulated.
“We are family,’’ said Barty of Goolagong, reflecting on her great grandmother who was a Ngaragu woman.
Barty said she wanted to inspire indigenous youth as well. “Evonne did so many things for our people, for young indigenous youth to dream and chase their dreams.”
Goolagong, affectionately known as ‘the Sunshine Girl’ blazed a trail in the 1970s, winning Wimbledon 50 years ago in 1971 and then bookending her career with another title in 1980 after having had a baby.
She had followed pioneer Margaret Smith Court who won three Wimbledon titles as part of her unbeaten 24 Grand Slam record as she straddled the amateur and open eras. Underscoring the drought in Australia’s women’s tennis until Barty’s emergence, only Sam Stosur has won a grand slam, the US Open in 2011, in the past 40 years.
READ MORE –‘She paved the way’: The bond between Ash Barty and Evonne Goolagong Cawley goes far beyond tennis
Adrian McMurray1.04pm:Barty wins Wimbledon title
Barty just gets to a backhand volley, handy shot to get things going. The pair trade errors, before Barty produces another: 30-all. Barty looks for a big forehand to an open court but catches the net, Pliskova with the break. Pliskova goes deep to the Barty forehand, and yet again but the second attempt is too long. Deuce. Barty comes up with an ace. Championship point! Fault. Second serve’s in, and Pliskova collects the net. That’s the match! Barty is in tears on centre court, she’s down on her knees crying tears of joy. The Australian is the Wimbledon champion, winning the match 6-3 6-7 (4) 6-3.
When the dream becomes reality ðŸ’@ashbarty | #Wimbledonpic.twitter.com/6sycxOgeq1
— wta (@WTA) July 10, 2021
Adrian McMurray12.59am:Pliskova keeps going
What a rally to begin the game – tight work at the net, a lob from Pliskova which Barty gets to before the Czech hits a winner. Pliskova 15-0. Barty brings it back to 15-all with a smash. Pliskova gets one back with a lovely backhand volley – what placement. But a double fault has the score back to 30-all. Pliskova with another backhand volley winner and an ace to hold serve. Barty now serving for the title at 5-3.
Adrian McMurray12.54am:Barty one game away from championship
An error first up for Barty, followed by a smash winner – that helps. An error and forehand winner from Pliskova brings it back to 30-all. She goes for the forehand winner again and it falls wide. Barty yells ‘C’mon!’, and a Pliskova error the next point hands the Australian the game. Barty leads in the third set 5-2, with Pliskova to serve to save the match.
Adrian McMurray12.49am:Pliskova hangs in there
Pliskova races to a 40-0 lead, Barty pulls a point back but Pliskova finishes it off with a forehand smash. Barty to serve at 4-2 in the third.
Adrian McMurray12.47am:Important hold for Barty
An important hold for Barty, who moves to 4-1. Nervy moments at 40-30 but a Pliskova error allows Barty to move closer to the championship. It’s now or never for Pliskova.
Adrian McMurray12.42am:Pliskova holds
Three winners that service game for Pliskova and she stems the flow, holding for the first time this set. Barty to serve up 3-1.
Adrian McMurray12.40am:Barty up 3-0 in the third
Up 40-0, a Barty error halts her momentum. She follows up with a double fault, now 40-30. Pliskova looks for the forehand winner but pushes it long, Barty moving to a 3-0 lead.
Adrian McMurray12.35am:Break for Barty
Barty has three break points, but Pliskova saves one with a big forehand winner. She looks like she’s on her way to another point but fluffs her lines, volleying into the net. The Australian has the break, back serving at 2-0.
Adrian McMurray12.32am:Barty holds to begin the third
Barty serves to begin the third set. She races to 40-0 before Pliskova brings it back to deuece. The Australian rounds out the set with a teasing ball to the net, which Pliskova can’t get to early enough to clear the net. Barty leads 1-0 in the third.
Adrian McMurray12.27am:Pliskova takes second set
Errors all round to start the tie-break, Barty moving to a 2-1 lead before Pliskova finds joy with the forehand, 2-all. Barty’s backhand slice collects the net, 3-2 Pliskova. Pliskova goes deep and Barty’s backhand can’t clear the net again – the Czech leads 4-2. Incredible rally which Pliskova wins with a smash, before another Barty error sets up set point at 6-2. The Pliskova backhand falls out. One set point saved. Barty saves another with a big serve. Back to 6-4. But a double fault from Barty hands Pliskova the set. It’s all locked up at 1-all: we’re going the distance, folks!
Adrian McMurray12.18am:Off to a tie-break
Not the start Barty was after with a double fault. The pair trade errors, before Barty hands Pliskova two break points. And another Barty error means we’re going to a tie-break in the second!
Adrian McMurray12.14am:Barty’s incredible comeback
Boom – the Pliskova serve is well and truly back with a monster ace. She’s up 40-0 but a long rally ends with her volleying into the net! Barty hits a forehand winner, now at 40-30. Unforced error brings it to deuce! Pliskova blasts it long and it’s break point to Barty. The Barty defence is strong here. Another long rally and Pliskova collects the net! Barty pulled that one back down 40-0 – incredible game. The Australian will now serve for the championship, up 6-5 in the second.
Adrian McMurray12.08am:Barty holds
Barty dishes up a double fault but composes herself, rounding out the game with an ace to bring it back to 5-all.
Adrian McMurray12.05am:Momentum with Pliskova
Pliskova gets the crowd going with a big backhand winner that passed Barty. She holds, and Barty is to serve down 4-5 in the second.
We saw the royals and some tennis royalty in the stands earlier, and look who else is in attendance.
A set down, it isn't mission impossible from here to win for Karolina Pliskova#Wimbledon | @TomCruisepic.twitter.com/0HoYtt3kud
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 10, 2021
Adrian McMurray12.02am:How good is hawkeye?
Barty challenges an out call on the first point of the next game … and her forehand has caught the smallest bit of the line! Remarkable. What’s even more remarkable … it happens again the very next point. Relief for the Australian! She goes on with it, winning the game to love, and we’re back to 4-all.
Adrian McMurray11.59pm:Pliskova hits the front in the second
Pliskova is on a roll. At 40-0, she’s won the past nine points. Barty claws a point back to halt the momentum but Pliskova goes deep to the Barty backhand, forcing the error and hitting the front for the first time in a set. The Czech leads 4-3 in the second.
Adrian McMurray11.55pm:Pliskova breaks back
We’re back on here! Pliskova breaks Barty to love and the crowd are well on her side. Pliskova to serve at 3-all in the second.
Adrian McMurray11.52pm:Pliskova fights back
Pliskova moves to 30-0 but Barty’s hanging with her, another nice forehand winner. The Australian’s moving around the court with ease. Pliskova challenges an out call, but it was well past the baseline. At 30-all, the Czech pulls out an ace and serves her way out of trouble. Barty still with the break, back serving at 3-2.
Adrian McMurray11.48pm:Barty moves to 3-1
Barty closes out the service game with an ace to move to a 3-1 lead in the second. Huge pressure on Pliskova to do something here.
Adrian McMurray11.45pm:What’s going on with Pliskova?
Pliskova was looking a lot better in that first game of the set, but something’s not right here. Two double faults, a further two errors, and Barty breaks her to love. Barty back serving up 2-1 in the second.
Adrian McMurray11.41pm:Trading service games in the second
Pliskova holds to open the second set, but Barty powers back with a hold of her own – this time to love with a pair of aces. All poised at 1-all in the second.
Adrian McMurray11.36pm:Barty wins first set 6-3
A pair of forehand winners brings up set point for the Australian, and when Pliskova’s forehand goes long over the baseline, that’s the game and set for Barty, 6-3 in 28 minutes. What a display so far! Barty won the first 14 points of the match and while Pliskova fought her way back, it’s been pretty much all the way of Barty.
Adrian McMurray11.34pm:Pliskova right back in this
Hold the phone – Pliskova isn’t done with just yet. She holds her first service game of the match – to love no less. Barty to serve for the set again, this time at 5-3.
Adrian McMurray11.31pm:Pliskova breaks
Sublime forehand winner from Barty but that’s her only point of the game, it’s Pliskova who breaks to save the set. She’s grown into the contest but is yet to hold her serve! Barty still leads, 5-2.
And look who’s in the house …
Where royalty and tennis royalty mix.
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 10, 2021
It's a #WimbledonThingpic.twitter.com/gFFoq6F1u1
Adrian McMurray11.28pm:Barty to serve for the set
Great rally, which Barty wins with a smash at the net, and Pliskova loses yet another service game with an error, her forehand soaring long over the baseline. Barty to serve for the set at 5-1.
Adrian McMurray11.24pm:Pliskova on the board
Down 0-30, Barty challenges a call … and wins it, her shot taking a big chunk of the baseline. Errors creep into Barty’s game, Pliskova breaking to love. The Czech is on the board! Barty leads 4-1.
Adrian McMurray11.20pm:Pliskova’s first points
Pliskova wins her first point of the match, and the centre court crowd goes up. A pair of unforced errors from Barty keep Pliskova in the game, but she ends it with a double fault – Barty races to a 4-0 lead.
Adrian McMurray11.15pm:Barty goes 3-0 up
This is ridiculous. Barty’s held her serve to love again – 12 straight points and a 3-0 lead in the first for the Australian.
12 points played.
— WTA Insider (@WTA_insider) July 10, 2021
12 points won by Ash Barty.
7 winners, 0 UFE.
3–0. #Wimbledon
Adrian McMurray11.12pm:Barty breaks
Wow! Barty has broken straight away – and she hasn’t dropped a point. A pinpoint lob the highlight of that game, a nervous start for Pliskova but everything is turning to gold for the Australian. Barty leads 2-0.
Adrian McMurray11.09pm:Dream start for Barty
Dream start for Barty. She holds her serve to love to begin proceedings, throwing in an ace for good measure. Barty leads 1-0.
Adrian McMurray11.04pm:Out on centre court
Here we go! Both players make the famous walk to centre court, and are out there now. Healthy reception from the crowd, not long to go now.
It's time.@AshBarty and @KaPliskova head their way out for the #Wimbledon ladies' singles final... pic.twitter.com/N5DkrGCjC1
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 10, 2021
Adrian McMurray10.50pm:Alcott wins again
Australia’s Dylan Alcott has won his 14th quad singles grand slam, clinching a second Wimbledon crown 6-2 6-2. The man can’t stop winning!
WIMBLEDON CHAMPION 🆠@DylanAlcott takes the title in straight sets.#Wimbledonpic.twitter.com/lU3U5pmbgX
— StanSportAU (@StanSportAU) July 10, 2021
Adrian McMurray10.45pm:Finalists practice together
How’s this for preparation? Earlier today both Barty and Pliskova were out on court one practising … at the same time.
Looks like it was a fairly relaxed preparation for both women. Pretty incredible pictures, nonetheless. Just 15 minutes to go.
Adrian McMurray10.15pm:Is this Barty’s time?
Good evening and welcome to our live coverage of the 2021 Wimbledon women’s singles final. We’ve got around 45 minutes to go before Ash Barty and Karolina Pliskova take to centre court at the All England Club. It’s been a pretty rough few weeks for parts of Australia as lockdowns hit some of our capital cities, and a win for Barty here would be a big hit of positivity and no doubt make a lot of tennis fans very happy.
Before this year neither finalist had made it past the forth round, and Barty holds a 4-2 record over Pliskova in their prior meetings.
Is this Barty’s to lose? Or will Pliskova, the $3.20 outsider, make history of her own? Sound off in the comments below. Play is scheduled to begin at 11pm AEST.
Will Swanton10.00pm:Golden age of Australian tennis is back
A tennis court looks more beautiful when Ash Barty’s on it. I’m trying to think of all the reasons why.
Two weeks ago, John Newcombe took his Wimbledon trophies to Sydney’s Mosman Lawn Tennis club to help Tennis Australia celebrate the 50-year anniversary of his third and final win at The All England Club.
He had them in an Aldi shopping bag. Can you imagine? The most prestigious cups in tennis, among the most cherished and prized in all of world sport, and Newk was carting them around like they were cut-price chicken schnitties.
It was a reminder of the down-to-earth nature of the golden age of Australian tennis, when larger-than-life characters like Newcombe, Laver, Rosewall, Hoad, Roche and Goolagong had their feet on the ground. No airs and graces. A wonderfully refreshing absence of bullshit. Newcombe’s humble method of hauling his Wimbledon hardware made me think, jeez, they don’t make ‘em like that any more. But clearly, they do.
Another golden age of Australian tennis is upon us. Her surname’s Barty, three apples high, tiptoeing into the final chapter of a fairytale that will have not a single dry eye in the big Australian house if it comes true on Saturday night.
Her Wimbledon final against Czech giant Karolina Pliskova is as good and big as it gets. Heartbreaking if she loses. Unrestrained joy if she wins. This bold young woman has been through the mill in her lifetime.
Courtney Walsh9.45pm:Ash’s plan to blunt Pliskova’s power game
Dual-US Open champion Pat Rafter believes the brilliant defensive capabilities of Ash Barty is key to the Australian’s chances of claiming a famous Wimbledon success on Saturday night.
The Queenslander will face Karolina Pliskova – a Czech with formidable power – in her maiden Wimbledon final in what is poised to be a culmination of a stellar fortnight of tennis at SW19.
It shapes up as an even encounter between the current world No. 1 and Pliskova who has yet to win a major but did top the rankings for eight weeks in 2017.
Barty served brilliantly when under pressure against Angelique Kerber. She played some of her best tennis in the 6-3 7-6 (3) semi-final win and Rafter is hopeful she can continue to deliver in the crunch moments.
But he said her ability to blunt the power of Pliskova – a former US Open finalist who defeated Aryna Sabalenka in three sets in the semi-final – will be just as crucial in the final beginning at 11pm AEST.
“Ash is going to have to defend really well, but if Ash can defend really well, I think she will be too good for her,” Rafter told The Weekend Australian.
“She is going to have to get a lot of slice backhands that shoot out wide, but that is an ability Ash has. Hopefully this girl will not blow her off the court.
“If Ash can get it out of her hitting zone – and Ash definitely has that ability – I actually like the match up.
“But this girl serves really big and she has a really big game and she returns really well, so Ash is going to have to work really hard to win it.
“She doesn’t have to do anything special. She can just run the ball down and when the forehand is there to hit, she has to hit it.”
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