Ashleigh Barty’s retirement from professional tennis in March 2022 sent shockwaves through the sporting world. At just 25, and holding the World No. 1 ranking, the three-time Grand Slam champion stepped away at the peak of her powers, citing a desire to pursue other dreams. While her on-court legacy is secure, the focus for many Australian fans has since shifted to her private life, particularly her journey into motherhood.
The Shift from Centre Court to Family Life
For years, Ash Barty captivated audiences with her relentless drive, strategic brilliance, and signature slice backhand. Her decision to retire, announced just weeks after her historic Wimbledon victory, was deeply personal. Barty emphasized her desire to start a family and live a normal life away from the relentless demands of the WTA tour.
“I’ve seen what it takes to be the very best of the best, and I know how much it takes out of you,” Barty stated during her emotional press conference. This clarity of purpose has defined her transition, moving seamlessly from chasing major titles to embracing the joys of domestic life with her long-time fiancé, Garry Kissick, a professional golfer.
Welcoming Hayden: The Newest Addition
The biggest news since her retirement came in July 2023, when Barty and Kissick announced the birth of their first child, a son named Hayden. The announcement, shared via social media, was met with an outpouring of support from the Australian sporting community, including rivals and former champions.
The joy of welcoming Hayden marked a significant milestone in Barty’s personal narrative. While she has maintained a respectful distance from the intense media scrutiny that often follows former top athletes, occasional glimpses into her family life confirm her contentment. She has often spoken about the importance of balance, something she struggled to achieve during her demanding career.
Maintaining Privacy in the Public Eye
One of the most defining characteristics of Ash Barty’s public persona, even during her peak years, was her grounded nature and fierce protection of her private relationships. This tendency has only intensified post-retirement. Barty and Kissick have successfully navigated the transition away from the relentless spotlight, choosing to share milestones like Hayden’s birth on their own terms.
Unlike some high-profile athletes who transition immediately into punditry or highly visible endorsement roles, Barty has taken a deliberate step back. This quiet approach allows her to focus entirely on raising her son without the constant pressure of performance metrics or sponsorship obligations that defined her previous decade.
Support System: Garry Kissick’s Role
Garry Kissick has been a steadfast presence throughout Barty’s career, often seen supporting her from the stands during major tournaments. His own career in golf provides a different, yet equally demanding, sporting backdrop, suggesting a mutual understanding of the commitment required for elite performance. Their partnership is central to Barty’s current happiness.
The couple’s shared background in professional sport means they understand the sacrifices involved, likely contributing to a strong foundation as they navigate the challenges of new parenthood. While Kissick continues his golfing pursuits, the focus remains firmly on building their family unit in Queensland.
What’s Next for the Tennis Legend?
While the question of a comeback is often whispered in tennis circles—given that she retired so young—Barty has consistently dismissed these suggestions. She has stated clearly that she has no desire to return to the grueling schedule required to compete at Grand Slam level. Her focus is now on community involvement and personal fulfillment.
Barty has, however, remained connected to Australian tennis through ambassadorship roles and supporting grassroots initiatives. Her presence is often felt at local events, reinforcing her commitment to the sport that made her a national icon, even if she is no longer actively competing. For now, the narrative surrounding Ash Barty is one of contentment, focused squarely on her role as a mother to young Hayden and enjoying a well-earned respite from the global tennis circuit.
The journey of Ash Barty’s family life offers a compelling blueprint for professional athletes seeking a successful transition to post-sporting careers, proving that happiness outside the arena is achievable, even after reaching the very summit of the game.
