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'Close to my heart': Ash Barty breaks nine-year Aussie drought in historic win

yahoo sports staff

Ashleigh Barty says capturing her first WTA title on Australian soil is perfect preparation for a home grand slam.

The world No.1 emphatically won the Adelaide International final on Saturday, downing Ukranian Dayana Yastremska 6-2 7-5 at Memorial Drive.

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Barty had lost her two previous WTA finals in Australia - at the Sydney International last year and 2018.

The World No.1 also became the first Aussie woman to lift a trophy on a home court since Jarmila Wolfe won Hobart in 2011.

Ash Barty broke a nine-year Aussie drought when she won the Adelaide International. (Getty Images)
Ash Barty broke a nine-year Aussie drought when she won the Adelaide International. (Getty Images)

"Third time lucky, I suppose, isn't it," Barty said.

"But the best part about this week is I fought and scrapped my way through and got better and better in each situation, in each match.

"I just put myself in the position to go for another title which is really exciting. It's been incredible to play at home and a really, really special week."

But Barty said she couldn't afford to dwell on her eighth WTA title, instead switching focus to her opening match at the Australian Open in Melbourne on Monday night.

"It has been a great preparation this week ... (but) I know that we play on Monday night," she said.

"I look forward to playing on Rod Laver Arena on Monday night, it's going to be exciting. It's going to be fresh tournament as well.

"I have to start with my clean slate for the Australian Open."

Barty’s immaculate performance

Barty produced a powerhouse performance against the world No.24 Yastremska to claim the inaugural Adelaide tournament.

The Queenslander went full throttle in her last tune-up for the Open, rapidly establishing control against the 19-year-old.

Barty conceded just two points on serve during a ruthless 30-minute opening set, while breaking her opponent's serve in the third and seventh games.

"At the start of the match she was a little bit erratic, gave me a few cheap errors in twos and threes in a row," she said.

Ash Barty of Australia poses with the trophy together with Aboriginal elders Major Sumner and Mickey Kumatpi O'Brien after winning the women's singles grand final in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
Ash Barty of Australia poses with the trophy together with Aboriginal elders Major Sumner and Mickey Kumatpi O'Brien after winning the women's singles grand final in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

"I knew that wasn't going to stay that way throughout the whole match, she is too good a player to not make a change to some degree."

Yastremska fought back from 2-0 down in the second set to hold a 4-3 lead, but then blew a gilt-edged chance.

She couldn't convert two break points and Barty levelled at 4-4.

The Australian soon made a decisive move, breaking Yastremska to love to take a 6-5 advantage and then duly served out for the title.