Ash Barty reveals hopes for a wedding in 2022 following ‘dream’ Australian Open win

After finally emerging in Brisbane today from her self-imposed “house arrest” followng her memorable Australian Open victory, Ash Barty has revealed wedding plans are on the cards as part of what has already become a “whirlwind” year.

World number one Ash Barty has revealed finding a wedding date is at the top of her 2022 to-do list, alongside playing in front of a home crowd on Brisbane’s Pat Rafter Arena.

Barty revealed she’d put herself under “house arrest” since her win late last month, so she could take time out with her family and come to terms with her memorable victory.

But she said she was ready to start planning for a big year ahead after experiencing “the start of the season I’ve dreamt of’’.

“It’s really strange because it felt like everything has changed outside my life but it hasn’t changed me as a human being,’’ Barty said.

“That was probably the best thing – when I came home that was really normal, instantly

“I put myself on a little bit of house arrest, be in my own house, enjoy my own space, and really try to give myself time to come to terms with how enjoyable and amazing and memorable that experience was through.

“It still doesn’t quite feel real, but it was really nice to be home.’’

Australian Open Champion and World Number 1 Tennis player Ash Barty at a function at Bougainvillea House Howard Smith Wharves. Pics Adam Head

Barty was speaking at a function for esmi Skin Minerals – which she is a brand ambassador for – at Brisbane’s Howard Smith Wharves.

She said this year had already been a “whirlwind” but that it would be an exciting year for her personally as well as professionally, with wedding plans on the cards. Barty and long-term boyfriend Garry Kissick announced their engagement on social media in November.

“Hopefully it will be this year,’’ she said.

“It will be very low key, very small, pretty chill, for Garry and I just the people we love the most, people who have been impactful and important in our lives.

“My nieces and nephews will be front and centre, I wouldn’t live it down if they weren’t, they will be dress shopping before I will be.’’

Barty also revealed she celebrated until 4.30am after she won the Australian Open, and said it was so special having all her family by her side for that win.

“To be able to have both of my sisters, mum and dad, I think that is probably the first time they have seen a final of that magnitude anywhere in the world,’’ she said.

“To have them all together, probably nervously and anxiously waiting as I was, it was so much fun to be able to enjoy that with them and for them to experience everything that comes with it.

“It’s not just the tennis – the crowd was exceptional, it was like nothing I’ve played in in front of ever in my life, and for them to feel that with me.

“I really enjoy being able to separate the professional and the personal but being able to experience that really special professional moment with those that mean the most to me was awesome.’’

Barty said she hoped to spend more time at home this year, after spending 7-8 months on the road last year, and said she’d love to play a home tournament.

“I’m very much a homebody … that’s where I recharge and how I get my energy,’’ she said.

“Fingers crossed this year I’m able to come home more regularly and not be away for too long at one time.

“It’s been disappointing for us Queenslanders that we haven’t been able to play at home … I am really hoping that opportunity comes up soon.’’