Ash Barty finally has a chance to end the hype _ and end a 44-year singles title drought for Australian women at their home Grand Slam. The top-ranked Barty is on a 10-match winning streak and plays American Danielle Collins in the final. Barty has dropped just one service game in the entire tournament.
Collins is 1-3 in four matches against Barty but her win came last year in Adelaide, Australia. Collins advanced to her first Grand Slam final with a 6-4, 6-1 win over 2020 French Open champion Iga Swiatek.
We have the winner now. Ashleigh Barty wins her first Australian Open title after beating Danielle Collins in the women's singles final by 6-3 7-6.
After losing four consecutive games, Collins finally wins one. (Barty 6-3, 5-6 Collins)
Another break for Barty and the pressure is back on Collins. Barty’s is growing in confidence after the first break and she has carried her momentum. The Rod Laver Arena has erupted for Barty. (Barty 6-3, 4-5 Collins)
Superb from Ash Barty. she has broken Collins serve, the first time in the second set. She has found her forehand and is definitely not going down without a fight. (Barty 6-3, 2-5 Collins)
The crowd at the Rod Laver arena is shocked. Collins has pushed her way in, another break for the American. She has punched on every unforced error by Barty. Collins will be serving for the second set. What a remarkable. turnaround by Collins. (Barty 6-3, 1-5 Collins)
After a see-saw battle for the final point, Collins managed to hold her serve, which was followed by a huge roar from the crowd. She has extended her lead to 3-0. Collins has upped her baseline game and has won all the long rallies in the second set so far. An opportunity missed for World No 1. (Barty 6-3, 0-3 Collins)
Collins breaks Barty early. The American made the most of the forehand error from Barty. What a second set she is having. This is not one-way traffic anymore. We've got a match in our hands. (Barty 6-3, 0-2 Collins)
The first set is over as Barty claims the set 6-3.
Happiness galore the Rod Laver Arena as Barty takes the 7th game 40-0.
Collins displays full power and flexibility with her backhands but Barty is still there.
Score: Barty 3-2 Collins
Collins is fortunate to take the 4th game of the first set.
Barty starts with two heavy serves to reach 40-0. She fires a serve to the left-hand corner and takes the game.
Score: Barty 2-1 Collins
Danielle Collins brings the second game to 40-15.
Score: Barty 1-1 Collins
Ash Barty wins the first game.
The Australian Open 2022 women's singles final is going on with Barty hitting an ace.
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the Australian Open 2022 final between Ash Barty and D Collins. Stay tuned for all the live action from Melbourne right here.