Ashleigh Barty announces second pregnancy in unique fashion ft. son Hayden

Ashleigh Barty delighted her fans with exciting news just in time for the holiday season. The former tennis star announced that she is pregnant with her second child, making the Christmas celebration even more special.

Barty retired from tennis in 2022, shortly after her Australian Open triumph. The decision shocked fans, as it came right after she claimed her third title in Melbourne. Later that year, she married her partner, Garry Kissick, and the couple welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Hayden, in July 2023.

Barty and Kissick have shown their desire to expand their family and are now ready for a new addition. The former World No. 1 took to Instagram to announce that she is pregnant with her second child.

Her post featured Hayden standing in front of a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, wearing a T-shirt with the words "I am going to be a BIG BROTHER" written on the back. The tree was adorned with festive ornaments, including red and white baubles, small figurines, and other holiday decorations.

The caption reads:

"Merry Christmas from our growing family to yours!" accompanied by a Christmas tree emoji.

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Ashleigh Barty says 'motherhood' is better than career accomplishments

Ashleigh Barty pictured at the 2025 Brisbane International | Image Source: Getty

In a February interview with Body and Soul last year, Ashleigh Barty shared that motherhood brought her a sense of fulfillment that surpassed her career achievements, including winning three Grand Slam titles and reaching World No. 1.

“Does this mean that motherhood is even better than any of her trophies or historic AO win?” Barty was asked.

“Without a doubt, not even a comparison. Absolutely. There were plenty of times throughout my career when I thought training was hard or I had some tough days, but it just goes to a whole new level when you become a mum,” she added.

The Aussie mentioned feeling fortunate to have watched her sisters raise their children, which helped her anticipate what motherhood would be like. She also described caring for her son Hayden as "rewarding," even though it could sometimes feel "relentless."

"I was very lucky to be able to watch my sisters raise their two kids, so I think I was always sensitive to how hard but also how rewarding it is,” Ashleigh Barty said.

“But it’s a completely different ball game when it’s your own child. It’s relentless – it’s 24/7 – but it’s so rewarding and, honestly, it’s the best thing that I’ve ever done. I think it’s incomparable to being an athlete,” she added.