Australia Open: Ashleigh Barty made surprise appearance at Melbourne Park

• Ashleigh Barty made an unexpected appearance at  Australian Open.
• She presented Rod Laver Arena with Daphne Akhurst Memorial Trophy.
• Barty won her third and last major championship last year.

Ashleigh Barty, a former world number one, made an unexpected visit at Melbourne Park on Saturday to present Rod Laver Arena with the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Trophy in advance of the Australian Open women’s final.

The cheers of the spectators erupted as the 26-year-old Queenslander, who abruptly announced her retirement in April of last year, walked onto the court carrying the trophy she had so brilliantly won a year earlier.

As Australia’s first local champion in 44 years, Barty won her third and last major championship last year by defeating Danielle Collins 6-3, 7-6 in the championship match.

Before making way for the night’s competitors, No. 5 Aryna Sabalenka and Wimbledon winner Elena Rybakina, Barty waved to the audience while seven of the Original 9 members and her friend and mentor Evonne Goolagong Cawley watched from the stands.

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