Ashleigh Barty became the first home Australian Open champion since 1978

Ashleigh Barty became the first home Australian Open champion since 1978 after beating grand slam final debutante Danielle Collins 6-3 7-6 in Saturday’s final.

The world No. 1 was utterly dominant throughout the tournament and clinched a historic title without even dropping a set.

Australian tennis fans had to wait more than four decades for one of their own to be crowned Australian Open champion, with the last home win coming courtesy of Chris O’Neil.

Barty’s grand slam tally now stands at three — her previous titles coming at the French Open in 2019 and Wimbledon in 2021 — and the 25-year-old is without a doubt currently the most dominant force on the women’s tour.

In a lovely moment, it was announced in the post-match trophy presentation that Evonne Goolagong Cawley, 70, who has aboriginal roots like Barty, would hand out the silverware.

And after lifting the trophy, Barty said: “As an issue, the most important part is to share it with so many people and you guys in the crowd have been nothing shy of exceptional.

“This crowd is the most fun I have played in front of. You all relaxed me, forced me to play my best tennis, and I had to bring that against Danielle.

“Thank you for all your love these last few weeks. I’m so proud to be an Aussie.

“This last few years has been extraordinarily tough for everyone. It takes a real village to put on an event like this.