Ash Barty's beautiful moment with boyfriend after Wimbledon triumph
The tennis world has fallen in love with Ash Barty and boyfriend Garry Kissick after the Aussie star's incredible triumph at Wimbledon.
Barty realised her Wimbledon dream on Saturday, repelling a ferocious comeback from Karolina Pliskova in a compelling three-set final to win the trophy she had always longed to hold.
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Just like her idol and mentor Evonne Goolagong Cawley first did half a century earlier, Barty claimed the Venus Rosewater Dish in a 6-3 6-7 (4-7) 6-3 victory on Centre Court.
The 25-year-old shed tears of joy after the final point and rushed over to embrace her boyfriend and coach Craig Tyzzer in her players' box.
Barty wept into Kissick's arms as he embraced his victorious girlfriend and congratulated her on the phenomenal achievement.
Video also later surfaced on social media of Barty reuniting with Kissick and Tyzzer in the corridors behind the scenes at Wimbledon.
— Tennis GIFs 🎾🎥 (@tennis_gifs) July 10, 2021
Barty was once again overcome with emotion as she sunk into Kissick's arms in beautiful scenes that captivated the tennis world.
Barty getting a comforting, warm hug from her longtime boyfriend as she breaks down in tears, perhaps feeling the moment and perhaps those are tears of relief, that her job is done.
— TENNISMEDIA (@luciahoff) July 10, 2021
#Wimbledon YES #Barty what a final! Don’t know why but I’m in tears after she hugged her team especially her boyfriend! Very well deserved! I’m now a new massive fan 👏🏻💖
— Melanie Jeffery (@Melwelshbird) July 10, 2021
The only man inside the Wimbledon Centre court without a collared shirt on is Ash Barty’s boyfriend, just when this moment couldn’t get any better. Remember where you were, tell your kids you saw it. Amazing - GO ASH! #Wimbledon2021 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺
— Liam McMahon (@LiamZMcMahon) July 10, 2021
Barty and Kissick only reunited at Wimbledon last week after being forced to spend months apart.
The World No.1 previously admitted she was in tears after having to leave Kissick and her family at home in March when she embarked upon a global tour that would encompass the French Open, Wimbledon, the Tokyo Olympics and US Open.
"It was all new to me, new to try and wrap my head around and comprehend where we're going to be away for such an extended period," Barty told AAP, still not knowing exactly when she'll be back to see the family she's so close to.
"Of course, there were tears in the days leading up. And when I did finally leave."
There were more tears on Saturday, but this time they were tears of joy.
And there would have been many more for the family watching back at home in Australia.
Ash Barty emulates idol Evonne Goolagong Cawley
Barty said she'd have to play the match of her life to become the first Aussie woman since Goolagong Cawley in 1980 to take the crown.
And she did just that, breaking the biggest server in the tournament six times after Pliskova's delivery had previously been breached only four times all event.
"She does (mean a lot to me)," Barty, wearing a version of the dress Goolagong wore when lifting the 1971 title, explained to the Centre Court crowd.
"I hope I made Evonne proud."
She told the cheering crowd: "You've made my dream so special.
"It took me a long to verbalise the fact that I wanted to dare to dream and say I wanted to win this incredible tournament - and being able to live out my dream right now with everyone here has made it better than I could ever imagine.
"I didn't sleep a lot last night, thinking about all the 'what ifs' but when I came out on this court, I felt at home in a way."
with AAP
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