Former world No 1 Barty announces she is pregnant with her first child

Twelve months ago, Ash Barty was preparing for her bid to win the Australian Open. At the time, no one knew it would be her last hurrah, the final slam before she announced her retirement.

But after becoming the first home winner of the Australian Open in 44 years, the Australian retired two months later. A year on, the chances of her making a comeback always appeared slim and now even more so after her announcement on social media on Friday, revealing that she is pregnant.

“2023 set to be the best year yet,” Barty said on Instagram, in a post with baby shoes, next to her dog, Origi. “We are so excited for our new adventure.”

Barty, who married golfer Garry Kissick in July 2022, has been catching up with old friends this week at the United Cup in Brisbane and is set to attend the Australian Open, which begins on Jan 16.

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