Ashleigh Barty Wins Australian Open Women’s Singles Title

The top ranked woman’s player defeated the American Danielle Collins to become the first Australian player to win the Grand Slam singles title there since 1978.

MELBOURNE, Australia — Ashleigh Barty ended a 44-year wait on Saturday night, defeating Danielle Collins of the United States to become the first Australian player to win the Australian Open singles title since 1978.

Barty defeated Collins in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6 (2).

Barty, born and raised in the steamy Australian state of Queensland, has been ranked No. 1 for more than 100 weeks and has become a hugely popular figure in her home nation. Her matches during the Open this year have attracted large television audiences.