Australian Tennis Star Ash Barty Announces Pregnancy

Ash Barty of Australia celebrates after defeating Jessica Pegula of the United States in their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, on Jan. 25, 2022. Hamish Blair/AP Photo

Former world number one Tennis star Ash Barty announced she is expecting her first child with husband Garry Kissick.

The 26-year-old revealed the news on social media the night of Jan. 6.

Barty posted a photo on Instagram of a pair of baby shoes and her dog Origi.

“2023 set to be the best year yet. We are so excited for our new adventure. Origi already the protective big sister,” Barty wrote in the caption.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined those sending wishes to Barty, along with Australian tennis players Maddison Inglis and Priscilla Hon.

“Ash Barty is someone who is a great credit to Australia. I had the privilege of being there to watch her win the Australian Open in January of last year,” Albanaese said on Jan. 7.

“Ash Barty carries herself so well and is just a great Australian and I think that all Australians will wish Ash Barty all the very very best.

“I look forward to seeing Ash Barty in whatever she does. She’s going to be a winner on the court and off the court and congratulations.”

Barty announced her retirement in March 2022, which shocked the tennis world.

This decision came two months after winning the Australian Open singles title, just seven weeks after becoming the first Australian player to win the title since 1978.

Barty has won 15 career singles and became the world No. 1 title in 2019.

Since her retirement from the tennis world, Barty has been publishing a series of children’s books, starting a foundation with the Australian Tennis Foundation (ATF), releasing her autobiography “My Dream Time,” and coaching 20-year-old tennis star Olivia Gadecki.

Although Barty won’t be participating in the 2023 Australian Open, she’ll be present at Melbourne Park later this month to show her support for Gadecki who will make her Australian Open debut when the major starts on Jan. 16.

Tennis Star’s Private Wedding Ceremony

Ash Barty officially tied the knot with her long-time partner Garry Kissick in July 2022.

Barty and golf pro Kissick have been together since 2016 and are famous for being private about their personal life.

Barty shared a single photo on Instagram from her wedding ceremony, and wrote “Husband & wife” in the caption. The wedding took place at a secret venue in Queensland, Australia.

The 26 year old wore a simple wedding dress by Australian bridal couture designer Suzanne Harward.