Ash Barty reveals details of ‘perfect’ engagement to Garry Kissick

Ash Barty is one of Australia’s most down to earth sport stars and her engagement to her long-term partner was typically low-key.

Ash Barty has revealed details of her “perfect” low-key engagement to long-term partner Garry Kissick.

Last month the Australian tennis star and Kissick took to Instagram to announce they were engaged, sharing some sweet photos of the happy couple with a ring visible on Barty’s finger.

Barty captioned her post: “Future husband”, while Kissick said “15/11/2021 I love you @ashbarty”, suggesting he popped the question on November 15.

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Now the world No. 1 has revealed the relaxed proposal took place at home on the couch with their dogs — and she wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

“Garry and I have been together for a long time now and I had designed the ring with him,” Barty told the Courier Mail.

“We are obviously excited now for the next chapter. We were at home on the couch with the puppies.

“It was very much just us. It was perfect for us. Everyone has their unique way of doing it.”

Barty and Kissick’s relationship has largely been kept private, and the 25-year-old revealed they kept their engagement secret for a week before announcing the news on Instagram after considering whether they wanted to share the news publicly at all.

Kissick was at Wimbledon earlier this year to watch Barty claim her second grand slam title and they shared a couple of adorable moments behind the scenes.

Barty and Kissick, an aspiring professional golfer, met at the Brookwater Golf Club in 2016. The sporting duo immediately clicked and went public with their relationship in 2017 when they attended the John Newcombe Awards together.

The pair have also capped off an exciting 2021 by moving into their new house Springfield, just outside of Brisbane.

Barty said she was delighted to live in the area where she grew up, which will allow her to easily stay in touch with her family.

Ash Barty is a favourite to win next month’s Australian Open. Picture: Zak Simmonds

“I have lived in the Springfield area my entire life and mum and dad have lived there for their entire lives,” she said.

“My sisters are not far away. We are excited that we are in our new place. It’s beautiful.

“It is what we wanted and for us it is about making new memories now. The pups love our new place which for me it’s most important they run around and have a good time.’’

Barty will be one of the favourites to win next month’s Australian Open. Her path to the title has been opened up after several leading women’s players were forced to pull out due to injury or Covid-19 scares.