'National treasure': Ash Barty's childhood photo sends fans wild
World No.1 Aussie Ash Barty has revealed a childhood photo that shows why she was always destined to become a tennis superstar.
Fresh off defeating defending Roland Garros Iga Swiatek at the Madrid Open, Barty shared a photo of her parents' home renovation.
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Much to her surprise, her parents discovered her old makeshift tennis court.
Barty posted a photo of her old training court, which was a wall with some 'duck tape' across it acting as a net.
"Mum & Dad rediscovering my first ever tennis court while doing some home reno’s," she said.
"Makeshift duck taped net is a little high... Would love to know how many hours I spent hitting balls against that brick wall."
The photo shared an insight into the child prodigy's rise to stardom.
Mum & Dad rediscovering my first ever tennis court while doing some home reno’s 😍🎾 Makeshift duck taped net is a little high...
Would love to know how many hours I spent hitting balls against that brick wall 🤣 pic.twitter.com/s9tomDAg6s— Ash Barty (@ashbarty) May 4, 2021
Two years ago, a photo of a young Barty holding a tennis racquet in one hand and a trophy in the other went bonkers on social media.
Fans, including Aussie tennis great Rennae Stubbs, were equally delighted to see how the current World No.1 trained when she was growing up.
😂 classic!
— Rennae Stubbs OLY (@rennaestubbs) May 4, 2021
This reminds me of the brickwork a young Donald Bradman used to practise shots against. This should be preserved as a national treasure.
— bradpsychology (@bradpsychology) May 4, 2021
Practice clearly made perfect 💪
— Olivia 🦋 (@heardboutpluto) May 4, 2021
That’s gold! Heritage listing??? 😉
— Cheryl Murphy (@CherylMurphy04) May 4, 2021
Gold!
— Squirrel.Monkey (@Squirrel_Monkey) May 4, 2021
Will it be moved to an appropriate museum?
— GdVarv (@GdVarv) May 4, 2021
#Ash obviously enough to get you to where you are today??
— Coolbreeze (@Coolbre60974602) May 4, 2021
The best!!
— Daisy Pearce (@DaisyPearce6) May 4, 2021
Barty advances in Madrid Open
World No.1 Barty was lauded after showing a touch of class following her victory over defending French Open champ Swiatek.
Barty defeated the Polish teenager 7-5, 6-4 on Monday in a much-anticipated showdown between the past two Roland Garros champions.
However, after the thriller fans were quick to point out Barty's classy gesture after the match.
Barty shared some words with Swiatek at the net following the tough-fought match.
Ash Barty is a good egg, example 27132: Applauding Iga as she walks off the court after the match. pic.twitter.com/bO3rj53xbS
— Jimmie48 Photography (@JJlovesTennis) May 3, 2021
And @Jimmie48 Photography also capture a brilliant photo at the Madrid Open moment of Barty and Swiatek.
Barty could be seen standing and applauding Swiatek as she made her way from the court, which sparked widespread praise for the Australian.
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