Back to the Tennis Newsfeed

Australian Open: 'Ashleigh Barty cements place as national hero with Melbourne win'

Cracking open a beer on live television, shortly after ending Australia's long wait for a home singles champion, will - for many - have further cemented Ashleigh Barty's reputation as a national hero.

The 25-year-old, of course, had already long achieved that status through her tennis achievements.

Winning her first Grand Slam at the 2019 French Open was backed up by success at Wimbledon last year.

Then, on Saturday, to the ecstasy and relief of a nation, she became the first home player to win the Australian Open men's or women's singles title in 44 years.