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Barty, who elected to remain at home in
Queensland this year rather than compete at the U.S. and French
Opens because of health concerns amid the COVID-19 pandemic, is
a lifelong supporter of the Melbourne-based Australian Rules
team.
The Tigers will play the Geelong Cats for the AFL title in front
of 30,000 fans at Brisbane's Gabba on Saturday as the title
decider is played outside Melbourne for the first time in its
history because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I was surprised and very honoured (when I was asked) to present
the cup. I know there are many other Richmond people who would
normally do this but given the circumstances I am very grateful
for the opportunity," Barty said in a news release.
"I wish the boys all the best for Saturday and very much hope I
have the chance to be out there when the siren goes celebrating
another Richmond premiership."
TV pictures of Barty cheering on the Tigers with a beer in her
hand in a match against the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba earlier
this month got plenty of attention on social media Down Under.
Barty has not played a competitive tennis match since February
but remains top of the world rankings under an adjustment
introduced by the WTA because of the disruption to the calendar
caused by the global health crisis.
(Reporting by Nick Mulvenney, editing by Peter Rutherford)
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