‘Best year yet’: Ash Barty drops beautiful pregnancy announcement

Aussie tennis champion Ash Barty may have retired but her life is set to get a whole lot busier after she revealed some lovely news.

Ash Barty is set to become a mum.

The retired three-time grand slam winner posted on Instagram on Friday night that she and her husband Garry Kissick are expecting their first child.

With a picture of one of her dogs Origi with a pair of tiny shoes next to her, Barty posted: “2023 set to be the best year yet. We are so excited for our new adventure. Origi already the protective big sister”.

Kissick, a mad Liverpool fan shared the news writing: “Little Red, 2023”.

Ash Barty and husband Garry Kissick are expecting their first baby together. Picture: David Geraghty

After her retirement from tennis, it’s another big life goal Barty has ticked off at the age of 26.

The reaction was quick as the post quickly went viral.

Tennis champion Jelena Dokic posted: “Congratulations Ash, so happy for you”.

Nedd Brockmann, the tradie who ran across Australia and raised nearly $2 million, wrote: “Yes ash!!! How exciting!”

Comedian Tanya Hennessy commented: “OMG BEST NEWS!! Cutest baby ever incoming!”

Tennis star Maddison Inglis said: “omg congrats!!!!”

Tennis reporter Jose Morgado tweeted: “Great news for Ash Barty.”

Behold, Barty baby bulletin: pic.twitter.com/odYSHH3RLT

— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) January 6, 2023

BABY BARTY BABY BARTY BABY BARTY

— Dani Brown (@itsdanibrown) January 6, 2023

ASH BARTY IS HAVING A BABY BARTY IM CRYING

— lavender baj (@lavosaurus) January 6, 2023

Barty shocked the world when she retired from tennis after winning the Australian Open last year, but still had a huge 2022.

Barty married her long-time partner Garry Kissick, released children’s books, an autobiography and seemingly enjoyed life including several golf trips around the world.

She also capped off the year winning the Newcombe Medal as Australia best tennis player and Sport Australia’s The Don Award.

The Don is awarded to the athlete or team whose achievements have most inspired the nation.

Barty was also back around the tennis world this week, taking a picture with current World No. 1 Iga Swiatek at the United Cup which went viral.

Ash Barty is set to become a mum.

Barty will also be working with 20-year-old Queenslander Olivia Gadecki at the Australian Open as a mentor.

Gadecki is currently World No. 202, having risen to a high of No. 156 last July before injuries saw her slip in the rankings.

But after receiving a wildcard to the event, Gadecki said Barty would help her deal with the expectation of being a young Aussie at the tournament.

“I’ve been really fortunate to always be able to contact her if I have any questions or if I need advice, she’s always been there for me,” Gadecki told AAP at the United Cup in Sydney.

“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.”

Barty has also been adamant that her tennis career is behind her, despite being asked in nearly every interview whether she’s coming back to the sport she dominated.