'Absolute class': Ash Barty's incredible act for beaten opponent at Australian Open

Ash Barty has paid a beautiful post-match tribute to retiring compatriot Jessica Moore after knocking her out of the Australian Open doubles.

Not content chasing singles glory, Barty progressed to the second round of the women's doubles at Melbourne Park on Thursday.

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The World No.1 teamed with German Julia Goerges for a 6-2 6-3 win over fellow Australians Moore and Astra Sharma under a closed roof at Melbourne Arena.

But when asked about the victory on court after the match, Barty immediately turned the limelight on Moore.

“A lot of you may not know but Jess is finishing up after the Australian Open,” Barty said.

“It was really exciting for me to be able to share this moment with her.

“Jess got me back into the sport - she was my first partner when I came back a few years ago.”

Tennis world gushes over Barty’s classy act

Barty then called on Moore to come forward and be interviewed herself, making her compatriot break out in a huge smile.

“I really appreciate Ash’s kind words,” Moore said.

“It’s an absolute pleasure to share the court with her - obviously I would prefer as her partner.

“She’s an unreal chick and it’s unbelievable for us to have someone like her to look up to.”

Moore, 29, is retiring from tennis after a 12-year professional career.

“This was the first court I played on 12 years ago so it was really cool to come back here and share the court with the World No.1.”

Fans and commentators praised Barty for her classy gesture.

Barty will resume her singles campaign on Friday against in-form Kazakh Elena Rybakina and could face Goerges in the fourth round if she wins.

with AAP