French Open champion Ash Barty and her professional golfer boyfriend Garry Kissick have been branded ‘the most normal couple in tennis’.
The Australian star tennis player, 23, met Mr Kissick, 28, at Brooklands Golf Club in Queensland in 2016 during a round of golf, and they have been together since.
The loved-up pair use other pet names for each other such as ‘handsome boy’, ‘cheeky and caring handsome boy’ and ‘baby’.
The Australian star tennis player, 23, met Garry, 28, at Brooklands Golf Club in Queensland in 2016 during a round of golf
Barty puts down her success thanks to the loving and caring partner because they have created a home filled with love
Barty puts down her success thanks to the loving and caring partner because they have created a home filled with love.
Mr Kissick said that Barty was ‘the best person I’ve ever met’.
His Instagram page is filled with photos of the couple together.
‘It’s refreshing because you often see mismatched liaisons in this sport,’ a friend told Woman’s Day.
‘It’s funny to watch Ash practising at the big tournaments with her coach and see Garry pop up as the ball boy. He’ll skip back and forth, helping out between their rallies, encouraging her by passing on cricket scores or cracking jokes.
‘Without even meaning to, Garry helps Ash play her very best tennis, because there’s certainly no pressure from him.’
‘It’s funny to watch Ash practising at the big tournaments with her coach and see Garry pop up as the ball boy’
‘Without even meaning to, Garry helps Ash play her very best tennis, because there’s certainly no pressure from him,’ an insider said
Mr Kissick missed the incredible win but posted a heartfelt message on Instagram congratulating Barty and was on his way to England
Barty made history as the first Australian to win the French Open in 46 years after demolishing a Czech youngster in two sets.
She defeated Marketa Vondrousova 6-1, 6-3 in the final in Paris on June 8.
The last Australian to win a French Open singles title was Margaret Court in 1973.
Barty’s win is her first singles Grand Slam title, although she won the doubles at the US Open last year.
‘I’m a little bit speechless, it’s incredible, I’ve played the perfect match today,’ a delighted Barty said on court moments after victory.
‘I’m so proud of myself and my team, it has been a crazy two weeks.’
Hoping for more trophies in the coming years, she added: ‘This is just the start.’
Mr Kissick missed his girlfriend’s win but posted a heartfelt message on Instagram congratulating her.
Barty made history as the first Australian to win the French Open in 46 years after demolishing a Czech youngster in two sets
‘Amazing! The puppies and I are so proud of you baby! Many more to come,’ he wrote
‘Amazing! The puppies and I are so proud of you baby! Many more to come,’ he wrote.
Her parents Rob and Josie also missed their daughter take home the title because they did not have enough time to get to France from their home in Brisbane, Queensland.
After the match, she was asked what it was like to make history for Australia by winning the title four decades after Court.
Referencing Aussie legend Sam Stosur who lost the French Open final in 2010, she said: ‘Obviously Sam has done so well here in the past, and she has been so close before, so I’m incredibly proud of what I have been able to achieve and it has just been an amazing two weeks.’
Barty stood proudly during Advanced Australia Fair and was snapped smiling as she clung onto her trophy.
Tennis star Ashleigh Barty has made history as the first Australian to win the French Open since 1973 after demolishing a Czech youngster in two sets
During the award ceremony, Barty thanked her opponent and said she had ‘absolutely no doubt’ Vondrousova, 19, would feature in Grand Slam finals in the future.
‘To the French federation, all the sponsors, there have been incredible changes this year, we have enjoyed every part of it, all the fans, you guys make this tournament so special every year,’ she continued.
‘You’re so passionate and enthusiastic and it so much fun playing tennis in front of you on this beautiful court here in Paris.’
‘And lastly to my team, thank you guys for sticking with me.
‘This is incredible, it’s been the most amazing journey we have been on in the last three years and I feel like this is just the start for us.’
During the award ceremony, Barty thanked her opponent and said she had ‘absolutely no doubt’ Vondrousova, 19, would feature in Grand Slam finals in the future