Ash Barty has become the first local player to claim the Australian Open women's singles championship in 44 years, with the world number one's idol Evonne Goolagong Cawley presenting her with the winner's trophy.
She is the second First Nations woman to win the tournament following Goolagong Cawley's four victories from 1974 to 1977.
Barty defeated American Danielle Collins 6-3, 7-6 (7-2) in the final on Rod Laver Arena, breaking the Australian title drought that stretched back to Chris O'Neil's tournament victory at Kooyong in 1978.
It is Barty's third major singles championship, adding to last year's Wimbledon victory and her 2019 French Open triumph.
She is the fifth Australian to lift the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup in the Open era, joining O'Neil, Goolagong Cawley, Kerry Reid and Margaret Court.
In an emotional scene, Goolagong Cawley was called upon to present Barty with the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup.
Barty told the Nine Network it was a "hell of a surprise" to be presented with the trophy by Goolagong Cawley.
"I do not quite know how Craig (Tiley) kept that secret," she said.
"I am really glad I did not know. I think I would have been under the pump."
Barty was also touched Olympic gold medallist Cathy Freeman was watching on in the crowd.
"Looking up at the end to see Cathy, she is an inspiration, and inspiration to so many people all around the globe," Barty said.
"For our heritage and family, she is just the best.
Earlier in her presentation speech on court, Barty thanked her family for their support.
"I am so lucky tonight to have so many people here that love me, support me," she said.
"It's pretty bloody special that mum and dad, and my sisters are here and I'm so happy they could be here today.
"I am an incredibly fortunate and lucky girl to have so much love in my corner."
As always, Barty spoke in awe of her "team" — which includes coach Craig Tyzzer — who have been by her side throughout her career.
"We did it altogether. Nobody has changed from the team, I love you guys to death and you are the best in the business," she said.
"I cannot thank you [enough] for all the time and love you put in."
Barty did not forget the crowd, who savoured the moment after decades waiting for the next Australian women's champion.
"I think as an Aussie, the most important part of this tournament is being able to share it with so many people and you guys today in the crowd have been nothing shy of exceptional," she said.
Collins — who is expected to leap inside the top 10 from her current ranking of 30 — paid tribute to Barty.
"I owe a big congratulations to Ash," Collins said.
"A phenomenal two weeks, a phenomenal two weeks if. A phenomenal couple of years. It has been tremendous to watch her climb the rankings all the way to number one and live out her dreams.
"I really admire you as a player you are and the variety of your game, and hopefully I can implement some of that into mine."
Barty's win means she joins Serena Williams as the only active players on the WTA Tour to win majors on all three surfaces.
Barty makes bright start
Barty's victory over 27th seed Collins iced a superb campaign at Melbourne Park, with the Australian not dropping a set.
Entering the final, she had lost just 21 games in her previous six matches.
Aside from the confidence gained from her earlier victories, Barty could also call upon the experience of her two previous wins in major singles finals, while Collins was appearing in her first decider.
Collins, however, did not seem to be overwhelmed by the occasion. While Barty won her opening two service games, her opponent replied in kind, with her backhand particularly effective early.
She put Barty's serve under pressure in the fifth game, earning a break point.
But Barty showed poise and moved herself out of harm's way. A neat forehand winner got the game back to deuce and then she won the next two points, finishing with an ace for a 3-2 scoreline.
The pivotal moment of the first set came in the sixth game. Barty turned the screws and posted her first break point of the match, with a Collins double fault putting the Australian 4-2 up.
Both players then held, before Barty secured the first set in 32 minutes, with an ace marking the moment.
Collins rebounds in second set
No doubt disappointed to lose the first set, Collins rebounded quickly to start the second in positive fashion.
She held in the opening game and the broke Barty for the first time, dropping to her knees and screaming out in joy as she celebrated the 2-0 advantage.
Barty's head did not drop, and she twice had a break point in the third game, but Collins lifted when she needed to and a backhand winner consolidated her break of the Barty serve.
Collins gained a second break in the sixth game, screaming out "C'mon!" as she established a 5-1 lead.
As Collins served for the set, Barty's fighting qualities came to the fore and she broke back to extend the set by at least one more game.
She stayed alive in the set by holding to trail 3-5, before games went back on serve with another break.
Rod Laver Arena erupted with wild applause when Barty won a fourth consecutive game to level the set at 5-5, but Collins halted the run when she held serve.
Barty held again to force a tiebreak in which she rushed out to a 4-0 lead.
Collins got on the board but there was no stopping Barty's momentum, as she converted on championship point with a forehand winner.
After receiving Collins's congratulations at the net following match point, Barty let out an almighty scream as the crowd roared in delight.
She was embraced by her close friend and former doubles partner Casey Dellacqua courtside, as a smiling O'Neil applauded from the stands.
