The Australian could win her third Grand Slam tournament in her home country – and triumph “at home” for the first time. Will it work against surprise finalist Danielle Collins from the USA?
She has already won the French Open 2019 and Wimbledon 2021 – but this final victory would probably be the culmination of her career so far: Ashleigh Barty is in the final of the Australian Open. your home tournament. In the final in Melbourne, the 25-year-old wants to be the first Australian to secure the title since Chris O’Neil in 1978 – it would be the third Grand Slam title for the world number one.
On the other hand, the surprise finalist, Danielle Collins, awaits. The 28-year-old American was only seeded 27th, but fought her way through to the final. In the semifinals, Collins also knocked out the highly rated Pole Iga Swiatek, winning clearly 6: 4, 6: 1 against the 2020 French Open winner.
Who prevails? Follow the final from 9:30 a.m. here in the live ticker.
++ Ash Barty vs. Danielle Collins now in the live ticker ++
5:2: It was a brutally close match, but now the first set could be over in no time. Barty makes three quick points, makes her first double mistake, but serves so variably that she is 5:2 in the lead. Collins dropped her break ball, Barty “used” her immediately: joy and sorrow are sometimes so close together.
4:2: Now things are getting dicey for Collins, who is getting too defensive. Collins has to fend off her first break ball at 30:40 – and doesn’t make it. The American misses her second serve completely, producing her first double fault – and loses her game! Break for the top favorite from Australia.
3:2: Anyone who expected close service games has been disappointed so far. But now there is a debut for the first time. Barty misses a forehand and gives Collins the first break ball of the game, which Barty saves sensationally. Two more points and an ace later, it’s 3-2. Take a deep breath for the Australian, who has only lost one service game in this tournament.
2:2: And Collins also manages her second service game easily despite 0:15 at the beginning, and has some luck with the edge of the net at 40:15. Both have plans here and seem to have a lot of self-confidence.
2:1: The arm is relaxed, Barty has no problems with her serve, has already hit three aces and also gets her second service game with ease. Everything in order so far.
1:1: Collins also serves properly and comes in well. At 40:15, the American plays a strong serve to the outside and equalizes.
1:0: The number one in the world gets off to a good start, serves variable and quickly leads 40:0. Collins still makes two points, but Barty keeps his cool and grabs the first game.
0:0: And the game is on, Barty serves first.
9.43 a.m.: Both are playing now. It’ll start here in three minutes. Barty’s impressive record at the tournament: she gave up just 21 games. But: So far, none of her opponents have been in the top 30. Collins is now such an opponent, she started the Australian Open as number 30 in the world rankings.
9:37 a.m.: The players have exited the catacombs and entered the pitch. Ash Barty, of course, to thunderous applause from the numerous audience members.
9.30 a.m.: Any minute now the players are coming onto the Rod Laver Arena. It’s about to start in Melbourne.
9.20 a.m.: Ahead of the final, activists put up a sign of support for Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai. On the day of the women’s final, they said they had 1,000 t shirts with the inscription “Where’s Peng Shuai?” thereby, which they distributed to spectators in front of the entrances. The organizers of the Grand Slam tournament in Melbourne initially prohibited political messages on the facility t shirts but allowed after criticism.
9.15 a.m.: Is there a coup by the American? “There have been so many women in recent years who weren’t expected to win Grand Slams and that gives hope to all other players,” Collins said beforehand.
But Barty wants to take her chance in front of her home crowd. “A lot of Australian players dream of being in the final of the home grand slam. I love this tournament. I’m just happy that I can play my best tennis here.”
9.10 a.m.: When comparing the playing time directly, it quickly becomes clear: Collins was on the pitch four and a half hours longer and had to fight more. The direct comparison also speaks for Ashleigh Barty: the local hero has won three of four duels so far. The last game so far at the beginning of the 2021 season in Adelaide was won by Collins.
9:00 a.m.: Welcome to the Australian Open final. Ashleigh Barty meets Danielle Collins.