Barty says ‘dream come true’ to win first Australian Open title

Ash Barty of Australia in action againstJessica Pegula of the U.S. during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open on Tuesday. [AP]

World number one Ash Barty said her dream came true after she ended Australia’s 44-year wait for a home winner at the Australian Open by beating American Danielle Collins 6-3 7-6(2) in the final yesterday.

Barty staved off a fightback from Collins to pick up her third Grand Slam title, thus becoming the first Australian to win the event since Chris O’Neil captured the women’s title in 1978.