Is Trent Cotchin Ash Barty's lucky charm?January 19, 2018
Sporting NewsAsh Barty is through to the third round of the Australian Open, where she will play Japan's Naomi Osaka on Saturday.
On the back of some stellar recent form, the top ranked Australian woman came from a set down to beat Camilla Giorgi on Thursday night.
She also dropped the first set to Aryna Sabalenka in the first round on Tuesday, before bouncing back for a 6-7 6-4 6-4 win.
And for every match, Richmond Tigers captain Trent Cotchin and his wife Brooke have been in Barty's players' box.
Barty is a massive Tigers fan, and was active on social media throughout Richmond's drought-breaking Premiership run last year.
Asked earlier in the week about Cotchin's presence, Barty said it was a tradition at the Australian Open dating back at least four years.
After her win over Giorgi on Thursday, Barty said she didn't want Cotchin to go back to pre-season training.
"I don't know if I can let him go on camp," she said.
"He might have to stay here for next week as well.
"It's amazing to have the support from so many people including Cotch and Brooke.
"My whole team, everyone here in Australia it's amazing."
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