'I'm crying, you're crying, we're all crying': Australia rejoices in Ash Barty's 'unifying' triumph

No, you didn’t dream it – Ashleigh Barty is the Australian Open women’s singles champion.

The Australian superstar and world number one confirmed her status as the best in the business with a sensational win in the tournament final on Saturday night over powerful American Danielle Collins, fighting back from a 1-5 deficit in the second set to claim glory with a near-perfect tie break.

Barty became the country’s first singles champion at the Open since Chris O’Neil in 1978 – before Melbourne Park even existed.

As you can expect, the celebrations have spread across Australia, as a nation rejoices in Ash’s astonishing achievement, described as ‘satisfying and unifying’; with Barty’s famous picture from childhood making frequent appearances.

The excitement has even spread across the sporting world, with the AFL keen to bask in the reflected glory…

… while Richmond and CEO Brendon Gale were also quick to hail their most famous supporter, and the deliverer of their 2020 premiership cup.

They weren’t the only AFL identities to praise Barty, Collingwood’s Mason Cox taking a break from cheering for American compatriot Collins to tip the cap.

The cricket world has also proudly displayed their affinity with Barty, who famously represented WBBL team the Brisbane Heat in a brief sabbatical from tennis in the mid-2010s.

“Congratulations @ashbarty on claiming your maiden #AusOpen title. Never change that warm-up routine!” Cricket Australia said in a social media post.

Of the players, fellow Queenslander and Australian Test gun Marnus Labuschagne led the way…

… as did women’s cricket star Megan Schutt.

The Matildas, too, sent their congratulations.

As for basketball, the legendary Andrew Gaze joined in the acclaim for Ash.

And it wouldn’t be complete without a shout-out from the man himself, Rod Laver.

Barty’s win also managed to unite both sides of the political spectrum, with former Labor Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, opposition leader Anthony Albanese and current PM Scott Morrison finally finding some common ground.

First Nations senator Lydia Thorpe was likewise full of pride, as politicians around the country clamoured to pay homage to Barty.

Even Kylie Minogue Tweeted her congratulations. No doubt she can’t get Ash out of her head. *ba dum tish*

It wasn’t just Australia in awe of Barty, though. The world number one’s tennis colleagues also offered their support, including former world number one Simona Halep and two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova – who beat Barty in the quarter-finals of the 2019 tournament.

Cheers soon turned to tears when Australian tennis legend Evonne Goolagong Cawley made a surprise appearance on Rod Laver Arena, to hand Barty the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Trophy.

The beautiful moment was enough to even melt the heart of rugby league hard man Phil Gould.

Finally, on a self-indulgent note, former Roarer turned stats guru Josh Elliott’s reminder about Barty’s extraordinary path to glory is a lesson we can all take from a remarkable night at Melbourne Park.