As Ash Barty sealed yet another great triumph, the tennis superstar delighted in sharing the moment with three women who helped pull her through some of her toughest times.
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Barty became the first local since Chris O'Neil in 1978 to claim an Australian Open singles title when she defeated Danielle Collins 6-3 7-6 (7-2) on Saturday night.
The Melbourne Park title followed Barty's 2019 Roland Garros and 2021 Wimbledon successes.
The All England Club victory was marked by proud Ngarigo woman Barty paying a poignant tribute to tennis legend Evonne Goolagong Cawley through the dress she wore throughout her campaign.
Goolagong Cawley, herself a proud Wiradjuri woman, was among those who offered Barty support during her well-publicised break from tennis after the 2014 US Open.
It therefore only seemed appropriate that while O'Neil delivered the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup to Rod Laver Arena for Saturday night's trophy ceremony, it was Goolagong Cawley who stepped out of the shadows to present it -- as both Barty and her idol's eyes shimmered with would-be tears.
"I thought she wasn't coming, and I'd spoken to her earlier in the week, and she was staying at home and not being able to travel down this year. So to have that surprise was amazing," Barty said.
"It was really special just to be able to give her a hug. It's the first time I've seen her in 12 months.
"We had a few hugs for a few different reasons, and to be able to actually see her in the flesh and chat to her was incredible.
"To be able to experience that together on such a big occasion, on such a beautiful court, and in a tournament that means so much to both of us, I think it was really nice to have her there just as someone to lean on when I wasn't really sure what to do.
"She's an amazing human being, and I'm very, very lucky to be able to call her a friend. Very lucky to be able to give her a hug in some of the biggest moments in my life."
Another key supporter, Barty's former doubles partner and "best mate" Casey Dellacqua, celebrated with Barty on court.
"I just wanted to give her a hug," Barty said.
"She was one of the first people that I could see and give a hug to.
"She's done so much for me as a person, and not just after big wins. She's been there right from the start. I love her to death."
But the biggest hug was saved for her mum, Josie, the recipient and holder of Barty's various trophies.
"I honestly just thought how lucky am I that I've got so many people here that love me for me and got to experience this with me," the 25-year-old said.
"Because I was gutted when mum and dad and some of my team couldn't be there in Paris and in London.
"To be able to have almost everyone here was really, really special, and to do it at home and to be able to do it with them, experience it with them was really special."
Australian Associated Press
