Not only did Ash Barty snap a 44-year drought by winning the Australian Open last night, but the feat has catapulted her into some rarefied tennis air.
By claiming victory on the Melbourne hard court, Barty now has Grand Slam trophies on all three surfaces, to go with the clay of Roland-Garros and grass of Wimbledon.
The only other active players to have achieved that feat are all-time greats Serena Williams, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
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AS IT HAPPENED: Special Ks, Barty take Australian Open glory
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https://twitter.com/rodlaver/status/1487381767934062594?s=20&t=X5OrRAPPmdY1ydIubm-9Ng
“I feel very humbled to be in such a select group, to be honest,” Barty said.
“I don’t really feel like I belong with those champions of our sport.
“I’m still very much learning and trying to refine my craft and learn every single day and get better and better. It’s amazing to be able to have this experience, and this opportunity, on three different surfaces, and be really consistent across the board.
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“That was one of the biggest challenges (coach) Jim (Joyce) set out for me when I was young – to be a complete player, and to be really consistent across all surfaces.
“To have a grand slam title on each surface is pretty amazing. I never thought it would ever happen to me.
“Very lucky, very humbled and privileged to be a part of it.”
Australian tennis icon Rod Laver lavished praise on Barty on Twitter, calling her “the complete player” because of the three surface set.
“I am so happy for you tonight,” Laver wrote.
“There’s nothing like winning at home, congratulations #AO2022 champion, it is wonderful to be here for this moment and to celebrate with Australia.”
https://twitter.com/rodlaver/status/1487390859737788420?s=20&t=X5OrRAPPmdY1ydIubm-9Ng
Laver also shared a special locker room photo with Barty and fellow luminaries Evonne Goolagong Cawley, Chris O’Neil and Judy Dalton.
World No.1 Barty, who enjoyed both champagne and a cold Corona last night, was also active on social media this morning.
“I’m so proud to be an Aussie,” was Barty’s simple message.
https://twitter.com/ashbarty/status/1487533437175042048?s=20&t=X5OrRAPPmdY1ydIubm-9Ng
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