Ash Barty returns to play tennis at the Brisbane Invitational days after revealing she is expecting her second baby
Australian tennis sensation Ash Barty stepped back onto the court at the Brisbane International on Sunday 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 couple posted a photo of their son Hayden standing in front of a Christmas tree, wearing a T-shirt that read, “I’m 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 Grand Slams in women’s singles, announced she would retire from tennis in March 2022.
Barty, who has also had cameos with the Brisbane Heat, would later marry Kissick in July 2022.
Ash Barty returned to the tennis court this weekend for a practice match at the Brisbane International
She teamed up with Frances Tiafoe for the match as the pair (pictured left and right) took on Ons Jabeur and Pat Rafter
On Christmas Day, Barty posted to Instagram a sweet photo of her son Hayden, 17 months, standing in front of their Christmas tree, wearing a T-shirt with meaningful words on it.
The couple, who had been together since 2017, subsequently welcomed a son, Hayden, in 2023.
While the Australian tennis sensation is no longer on the WTA Tour, the former world number 1 has stepped back onto the court for an exhibition event ahead of this week’s Brisbane International for her Ash Barty Foundation.
It happened during the event’s Family Fun Day, with Barty presenting ball kids working with their caps at the tournament on Saturday.
“It was 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 am very proud to be able to support them through my foundation.’
The 28-year-old founded the Ash Barty Foundation in January. The charity aims to help young Australians achieve their dreams by providing them with opportunities to play sports and develop their education.
On Sunday, Barty returned to the Queensland Tennis Center and stepped onto the court alongside Frances Tiafoe to loud cheers from fans at Pat Rafter Arena.
The pair took on Ons Jabeur and Pat Rafter in a charity match and showed off their skills to the fans by hitting some sensational trick shots.
She and her husband Garry Kissick have been married since 2022 and announced the heartwarming news on Instagram
The practice match was played for Barty’s charity, the Ash Barty Foundation, which aims to give children more opportunities to play sport and develop their education.
The 28-year-old remained on the field to sign autographs for fans at the Pat Rafter arena
‘It’s nice to be here again, a beautiful court with good friends. It’s a good day,” she said.
There was a fun atmosphere on the pitch, with the group exchanging humorous comments as they exchanged shots.
Barty added after the third game: ‘[I’m] a little sweatier than I’d hoped.’
The players also invited the ball kids to join in, with the youngsters stepping onto the field to take a shot themselves.
“What an incredible cause Ash is doing, giving back to the kids,” Tiafoe said during the game.
“It’s incredible, I’m a huge fan of her and her playing and what she did, what a legend. It was an honor to be a part of it today and meet the legend Pat Rafter.”
After the game, Barty stopped to sign autographs for fans.
Brisbane International Tournament Director Cameron Pearson spoke of his elation that Barty was involved in the event.
‘It’s nice to be here again, a beautiful court with good friends. It’s a good day,” Barty said.
Barty retired from tennis in 2022 before having her first son Hayen in 2023
“Ash has had such a huge impact in Australia and globally through her sporting achievements and on top of that she is a local Queenslander and adored by everyone,” tournament director Cameron Pearson said.
“We are proud to have Ash as an ambassador for the Brisbane International Ball Kids and to also be working with the Ash Barty Foundation for the Family Fun Day.
‘Having Ash and Pat Rafter on court together will be a great spectacle for all tennis and sports fans and a great way to launch our Family Fun Day.’
Barty has previously spoken about how comfortable she feels with her retirement decision, telling the newspaper New York Times in 2022: ‘I think there was probably a normal fear or insecurity in not knowing what my life would be like after playing tennis, after being so focused.
‘I was a little unsure how I would deal with that, because I’m someone who likes to be organized.
“There was probably a little bit of fear in there, but overall it wasn’t an issue, no worry or concern.
“What’s surprising, in a good way, is that I’ve fallen quite seamlessly into this life that’s just like anyone else. That’s actually always what I wanted.’