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Wimbledon 2021 Women’s final LIVE updates: Barty’s message for Goolagong Cawley after emotional Wimbledon triumph

Scott Spits

Updated July 11, 2021 — 1:45am,first published 9:29pm

1.45am on Jul 11, 2021

The final point

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1.39am on Jul 11, 2021

A message of support from a great

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1.18am on Jul 11, 2021

‘I hope I made Evonne proud’

She might be world No.1, but it was hardly a straightforward title to win. There were the significant injury fears after the French Open and Barty overcame a significant lack of match time on grass beforehand. The 25-year-old last played on grass at Wimbledon two years ago before this event. It’s just remarkable.

“This is incredible,” Barty said, immediately congratulating opponent Karolina Pliskova who pushed her to three sets after being astonishingly nervous early.

“I love testing myself against you. I’m sure we’ll play in many many more matches,” Barty said.

“I have to thank every person in this stadium. You’ve made my dream special.”

What was the message to herself at the start of the third set, after Pliskova had rallied and clinched the second-set in a tiebreaker?

“Just keep fighting,” Barty said.

“I was really proud of myself the way I was to keep fighting.”

Ash Barty celebrates after winning the Wimbledon final.

And what about match point?

“I can’t remember it!“

But when asked about joining Goolagong-Cawley as a Wimbledon champion and what the Indigenous trailblazer continues to represent to her, the enormity of what she’d achived really hit a nerve for Barty.

She (Goolagong-Cawley) means a lot to you, Barty was asked.

“She does,” Barty said, becoming teary.

“I hope I made Evonne proud.”

And pressed further about her family, who are back home in Queensland watching on TV and unable to travel overseas during the pandemic, Barty said:

“I know they are at home watching. I miss them. I love them. I’m so glad that they were able to at least watch and share this with me but I can’t wait to get home to them in a few months’ time and really celebrate.“

On Australia’s Channel Nine commentary - Todd Woodbridge, Sam Groth and Jelena Dokic - all got emotional.

A victory like this does that to people. It’s impossible not to be affected.

1.10am on Jul 11, 2021

Re-writing Australia’s tennis history

Ashleigh Barty joins Evonne Goolagong Cawley and Margaret Court as Australian women to win Wimbledon. IN a memorable three-set triumph in the final, Barty gritted her teeth to end a 41-year wait for Australian women on the famous courts. The last winner was her good friend and mentor Goolagong Cawley all the way back in 1980.

All the tennis luminaries are in attendance: Billie Jean King, Martina Navratilova and many more. Even a wide smile breaks out over Prince William’s face.

1.06am on Jul 11, 2021

She’s doing a Pat Cash!

Barty is heading for the stands .... what wonderful, emotional scenes. Hugs for all members of her team. This is simply glorious to watch. So much joy and such a popular winner.

1.04am on Jul 11, 2021

BARTY’S TRIUMPH!

She does it ....

Oh my, what high drama. The tears are almost immediate. Tears of joy, of course.

Barty is the 2021 Wimbledon ladies’ singles champion with a 6-3, 6-7 (4-7), 6-3 win.

1.03am on Jul 11, 2021

Third set: Barty leads 5-3 (AD)

Championship point ...

1.03am on Jul 11, 2021

Third set: Barty leads 5-3, 30-40

Error by Barty, ball into the net.

1.01am on Jul 11, 2021

Third set: Barty leads 5-3, 30-15

So close now ....

1.00am on Jul 11, 2021

Pliskova takes one more game

The Czech forces Barty to serve it out.

Great service game by Pliskova.

For a second time, the Australian will serve for the championships.

Barty leads 6-3, 6-7 (4-7), 5-3