Australian Ash Barty defeated Czech teen Marketa Vondrousova to claim the Women's Singles title at the French Open
Sam Few
18:01, 08 Jun 2019Updated 18:01, 08 Jun 2019
Ashley Barty has been crowned the French Open winner(Image: Getty Images)
Australian Ashleigh Barty comfortably claimed the French Open title with a 6-1 6-3 victory over Czech youngster Marketa Vondrousova at Roland Garros on Saturday.
At the age of 23, Barty becomes the first Australian to secure a singles title on French soil since Margaret Court in 1973 and she did it in style.
The men's semi-final between Dominic Thiem and Novak Djokovic meant the women's final began 90 minutes behind schedule however, there was nothing slow about Barty's performance.
She claimed the first four games inside 14 minutes, before taking the first set inside half an hour. Vondrousova hadn't dropped a set prior to the match, but Barty went on to secure the title in straight sets inside 70 minutes.
Barty poses with the trophy in her grasp(Image: JULIEN DE ROSA/EPA-EFE/REX)
The 23-year-old kisses her first Grand Slam trophy(Image: YOAN VALAT/EPA-EFE/REX)
Barty's story is even more remarkable considering she left tennis back in 2014 to pursue professional cricket, featuring in the Women's Big Bash League, and has risen from world number 623 to number two in the three years since returning to tennis.
Shortly after her victory, Barty reflected on the performance and predicted a bright future for her opponent, Vondrousova, who is only 19 years old:
She said: “It was the perfect match. I am so proud of myself and my team. It has been a crazy two weeks. I was very nervous too. Marketa has had a fantastic tournament and will be in many more Grand Slam finals.”
On becoming the first Aussie winner at Roland Garros since Court, Barty showed pride in her achievements and described the experience as 'magical.'
The Aussie celebrates her victory on the French clay(Image: YOAN VALAT/EPA-EFE/REX)
Vondrousova had gone the entire tournament without dropping a set before the final(Image: AFP/Getty Images)
She said: “This is a special place for Australian players. Sam Stosur has done well here in the past. She has been close. I am very proud. It has been a magical two weeks.”
Speaking to ITV4, Martina Navratilova said Barty can take inspiration from this victory and is confident the Australian will go on to further success.
She said: "This could be a great springboard for her. I am so glad the sport has got her back. She must be one of the favourites for Wimbledon now. She has the slice and great variety in her game. I don't think she is a one-Slam wonder. I think we will see her win again.”