Australian tennis sensation Ash Barty returned to 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 their 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 of 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 retire from tennis in March 2022.
Barty, who also had cameos with the Brisbane Heat, would later 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.
On Instagram on Christmas Day, Barty posted a sweet photo of her 17-month-old son Hayden standing in front of their Christmas tree wearing a T-shirt with some revealing words on it.
The couple, who had been together since 2017, had a baby, Hayden, in 2023.
While the Australian tennis sensation is no longer competing on the WTA Tour, the former world number one returned to the court for an exhibition event ahead of this week’s Brisbane International for her Ash Barty Foundation.
It came during Family Fun Day at the event, with Barty presenting the ball boys working the tournament with their caps on Saturday.
“I had a fun morning presenting their caps to the Brisbane International Ballkids,” Barty said.
“These boys and girls play a very important role for the players and the tournaments and I am very proud to support them through my foundation.”
The 28-year-old established the Ash Barty Foundation in January. The charity strives to help young Australians realize their dreams by providing them with opportunities to play sport and develop their education.
On Sunday, Barty returned to the Queensland Tennis Center and took to the court alongside Frances Tiafoe to a huge roar from the fans inside the Pat Rafter Arena.
The pair faced Ons Jabeur and Pat Rafter in a charity exhibition match and showed off their skills to fans, performing some sensational tricks.
She and her husband Garry Kissick have been married since 2022 and announced the touching news on Instagram.
The exhibition match was played for Barty’s charity, the Ash Barty Foundation, which aims to help give children greater opportunities to play sport and develop their education.
The 28-year-old stayed courtside to sign autographs for fans inside Pat Rafter Stadium.
“It’s nice to be here again, on a beautiful field with good friends. It’s a good day,” he said.
There was a fun atmosphere on the court with the group exchanging some funny comments while exchanging shots.
Barty added after the third game: “(I’m) a little sweatier than I expected.”
The players also invited the ball boys to participate, and the young people jumped onto the court to take a hit.
“What an incredible 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 honor to be a part of this 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 delight at having Barty involved in the event.
“It’s nice to be here again, on a beautiful course with good friends. It’s a good day,” Barty said.
Barty retired from tennis in 2022 before having her first child, Hayen, in 2023.
“Ash has had such a huge impact in Australia and around the world through her sporting achievements, plus she’s a Queensland local and everyone loves her,” tournament director Cameron Pearson said.
‘We are proud to have Ash as an ambassador for the Brisbane International Ball Boys and also to partner with the Ash Barty Foundation for Family Fun Day.
“Having Ash and Pat Rafter on court together will be a great show for all tennis and sports fans and a great way to kick off our Family Fun Day.”
Barty has previously spoken about how comfortable she is with her decision to retire, telling the New York Times in 2022: ‘I think there was probably a normal fear or uncertainty of not knowing what my life after tennis would be like after being so focused.
‘I was a little unsure how I would deal with that because I’m 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 has been surprising in a good way is that I have adapted without problems to this life that is like everyone else’s. Which is always what I wanted.