- Ash Barty is pregnant
- She got married to Garry Kissick in July 2022 at Queensland
- She will also be at the Australian Open in a different capacity
Former world No 1 and retired tennis player Ash Barty is pregnant.
She took to Instagram on Friday and dropped the bombshell a year after winning her last Grand Slam.
The tennis star announced the news in an endearing Instagram post, seemingly out of the blue. Barty shared a picture of her dog Origi protectively holding a set of infant sneakers.
This news coincides with the three-time Grand Slam champion’s plans to play tennis again in the 2018 Australian Open, this time as Olivia Gadecki’s mentor. When Barty abruptly ended her tennis career last March at the age of 25, she was the current Australian Open champion and ranked first in the world.
The caption on the picture said: “2023 set to be the best year yet. We are so excited for our new adventure. Origi already the protective big sister.” This piece of news was also posted to her husband Garry Kissick’s personal Instagram account.
Ash Barty. Photo by Yahoo Movies UK
She finally said ‘I Do’ to Kissick July 2022 in a small invite-only ceremony in Queensland.
Barty’s pregnancy announcement comes just 12 months after winning the Australian Open and becoming the first home singles champion in 44 years. Before it was officially revealed, the 26-year-old had been teasing her return in a new capacity for weeks.
Barty will be coaching up-and-coming local Gadecki, who received a wildcard into the main draw. Gadecki, ranked world No 202 announced Barty’s mentorship during the most recent United Cup in Sydney.
The 20-year-old Gadecki told the Australian Associated Press that she is incredibly blessed to always reach out to her whenever she has questions or when she needs guidance.
Barty is always there for her, and she is happy about this.
“The best part is she just treats me like a normal person and we can relate in that regard and off court is just as important as on court,” Daily Express quotes her.
Barty shocked the tennis community in 2022 by quitting the sport just a few weeks after winning the Australian Open. As the first Australian woman to win their home tournament in the singles since 1978, she broke a 44-year streak.
At only 25 years old, Barty called in time. She retired after winning the 2019 French Open, the current Australian Open, and Wimbledon. Her tennis resume lists three Grand Slam victories.
Ashleigh Barty. Photo/Sky Sports
She spoke of her retirement and stated that she left the court to pursue other interests. The Australian claimed that although she lacked the necessary skills, the moment had come for her to hang her boots.
She continued by saying that she had fulfilled all of her tennis goals. When the three-time major champion announced her retirement while still holding the top spot in the global rankings, many individuals in the tennis community were shocked.
Barty feels positive that her decision was the best one. She has no regrets about her choice and is enjoying every second of her life away from tennis.
However, she made it quite clear that she had no interest in pursuing a career as a pro-golfer.
Barty implored that she likes golf and will always be one of her hobbies. She remains conscious of what it takes to participate in any sport at the best level. But she lacks the drive or interest to work hard enough to rise to the top.
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