Aussie tennis sensation Ash Barty stepped back on the court at the Brisbane International on Sunday days after revealing she was expecting her second baby.
She and her husband Garry Kissick took to Instagram on Christmas day to announce the news to her 505,000 followers.
The pair posted a picture of their son Hayden standing in front of a Christmas tree wearing a T-shirt that read: ‘I am going to be a BIG BROTHER’.
The caption on the post read: ‘Merry Christmas from our growing family to yours!’
The 28-year-old, who won three women’s singles Grand Slams, announced that she would be retiring from tennis in March 2022.
Barty, who has also had cameos with the Brisbane Heat, would later go on to marry Kissick in July 2022.
Ash Barty returned to the tennis court this weekend for an exhibition match at the Brisbane International
She teamed up with Frances Tiafoe for the game as the pair (pictured left and right) took on Ons Jabeur and Pat Rafter
Taking to Instagram on Christmas Day, Barty posted a sweet picture of her son Hayden, 17 months, standing in front of their Christmas tree wearing a T-shirt with some telling words on
The pair, who had been together since 2017, subsequently had a baby boy, Hayden, in 2023.
While the Aussie tennis sensation is no longer competing on the WTA Tour, the former world No 1 has stepped back onto the court for an exhibition event ahead of this week’s Brisbane International for her Ash Barty Foundation.
It came during the Family Fun Day at the event, with Barty presenting ball kids working at the tournament with their caps on Saturday.
‘Had a fun morning presenting the Brisbane International Ballkids with their hats,’ Barty said.
‘These boys and girls play such an important role for players and tournaments and I’m super proud to be supporting them through my foundation.’
The 28-year-old established the Ash Barty Foundation back in January. The charity endeavours to help young Australians realise their dreams by providing them with opportunities to play sport and develop their education.
On Sunday, Barty returned to the Queensland Tennis Centre and stepped out on the court alongside Frances Tiafoe to a huge roar from fans inside the Pat Rafter Arena.
The pair took on Ons Jabeur and Pat Rafter in a charity exhibition match and showcased their skills to the fans, hitting some sensational trick shots.
She and her husband Garry Kissick have been married since 2022 and announced the heartwarming news on Instagram
The exhibition match was played for Barty’s charity the Ash Barty Foundation which aims to help give kids greater opportunities to play sport and develop their education
The 28-year-old stayed on court to sign autographs for fans inside the Pat Rafter arena
‘It’s nice to be back out here, a beautiful court with good friends. It’s a good day,’ she said.
There was a fun atmosphere on the court with the group exchanging some humorous comments as they traded shots.
Barty added after the third game: ‘[I’m] a bit sweatier than I’d hoped.’
The players also invited the ball kids to get involved, with the youngsters stepping onto the court to have a knock themselves.
‘What an unbelievable cause Ash is doing, giving back to the kids,’ Tiafoe said during the match.
‘It’s incredible, I’m a big fan of her and her game and what she did, what a legend. It was an honour to be a part of it today, and meet the legend Pat Rafter.’
After the match, Barty stopped to sign autographs for fans.
Brisbane International Tournament Director Cameron Pearson spoke of his elation to have Barty involved in the event.
‘It’s nice to be back out here, a beautiful court with good friends. It’s a good day,’ Barty said.
Barty retired from tennis in 2022 before she would go on to have her first son Hayen in 2023
‘Ash has had such a huge impact in Australia and worldwide through her sporting achievements and on top of that she is a Queensland local and adored by all,’ Tournament Director Cameron Pearson said.
‘We are proud to have Ash as the Ambassador for the Brisbane International ball kids and to also partner with Ash Barty Foundation for the Family Fun Day.
‘Having Ash and Pat Rafter on court together will be a great spectacular for all tennis and sporting fans and great way to launch our Family Fun Day.’
Barty has previously spoken on how comfortable she has been with her retirement decision, telling the New York Times in 2022:’I think there was probably a normal fear or uncertainty in not knowing what my life would look like after tennis after being so focused.
‘I was a bit unsure how I would deal with that because I am a person who likes to be organised.
‘There was probably a little bit of fear in that, but overall, that hasn’t been an issue, a concern or a worry.
‘What’s been surprising in a good way is that I’ve slipped quite seamlessly into this life that’s just like everyone else. Which is kind of always what I wanted.’
