ADELAIDE (Australia): Aussie Ashleigh Barty won her first career title at home on Saturday with a 6-2, 7-5 defeat of Ukrainian Dayana Yastremska at the ATP-WTA International.
The world number one is assured of holding the top ranking as the Australian Open that begins on Monday in Melbourne.
She claimed victory after 87 minutes at Memorial Drive as Yastremska sent a return long over the baseline.
The Aussie was presented the carved wood trophy by an Aboriginal elder who blessed it before it was handed over.
“It’s nice to get the ball rolling this week, I can’t wait to get starred in Melbourne next week,” Barty said.
The last Australian woman to win a home title was Jarmila Wolfe in 2011 at Hobart.
Great start to the year: Barty
“I feel like we had a great tussle out there, I was finally able to bring it across the line. I’ve enjoyed the time here, I really tried to bring my best this week,” she said. “I love playing at home in Australia. This is the payoff for the preseason work we did. It’s about coming out here and enjoying the competition.”
Barty won the opening set against her 19-year-old opponent, losing just two points on serve and breaking three times.
After starting the second set with a break, the Australian momentarily lost her edge, dropping serve for two all.
Barty kept up the pressure on 24th-ranked Yastremska, earning three break points in the 11th game.
