"I thought she wasn't coming" - Ashleigh Barty moved by Goolagong Cawley's appearance

Ashleigh Barty was very moved by Evonne Goolagong Cawley's appearance at the Australian Open final as she thought the tennis legend won't be coming.

Ashleigh Barty has looked up to Evonne Goolagong since being a child and since becoming a tennis player, Barty and Goolagong developed a deep friendship. Prior to the Australian Open final, they last saw each other 12 months ago. During that time, Barty had joined Goolagong Cawley as a Wimbledon champion, yet was unable to enjoy the opportunity to celebrate her victory with her idol, mentor and close friend.

Barty was of the understanding Goolagong Cawley would not be at Melbourne Park on Saturday night to watch her Australian Open final against Danielle Collins. But after defeating Collins 6-3, 7-6 (7-2) to become Australia's first women's singles winner in 44 years, the world number one was in for a shock.

She told reporters after:

"I thought she wasn't coming. 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. I can't believe Craig (Tiley) kept it a secret. 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."

Barty was very touched by the whole situation as she explained:

"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 lucky to be able to call her a friend. I'm very lucky to be able to give her a hug in some of the biggest moments in my life."