She’s won three Grand Slam titles and launched a namesake foundation, but nothing could prepare the 27-year-old for motherhood.
AUSTRALIAN TENNIS STAR and former World No. 1 Ash Barty is leaning into motherhood with newfound freedom. Away from the gruelling schedule of 45 weeks on the road (or in the sky) competing in pro-tennis tournaments — which saw her win three Grand Slam titles — she’s now taking a shot at suburban normalcy.
Back in March 2022, Barty shocked tennis fans around the world when she announced, what would seem, an early retirement at just 25 years old. But in her mind, the timing was not only right — but importantly, on her terms — a decision she now fondly reflects on. Looking back today, Barty says nothing she achieved in her career compares to becoming a first-time mum to her son Hayden, who was born in July 2023.
“Every day is a new challenge as a mum,” Ash Barty says after we’ve had a hit of tennis during the Australia Open at t6.30am with a handful of journalists and influencers.
While deep in grueling baby schedules — sleep, eat, play, repeat with seven-month-old Hayden; Barty says she’s taking sleepless nights in her stride. Next month she’ll compete in a celebrity game of golf at the New Zealand Open (and yes, she’s married to golfer Garry Kissick) and just a few weeks ago she launched The Ash Barty Foundation (a passion she could only explore following retirement). Formally debuted at a special dinner in Sydney ahead of the 2024 Australian Open, Barty plans to inspire young Australians to pursue sport.
“I am learning on the fly with motherhood and Hayden and I are growing together, but it’s amazing how all of a sudden your whole world is flipped upside down in the best possible way — so far the experience has been incredible for me,” the Marriott Bonvoy ambassador said proving to be the ultimate morning person. While on the court, she’s all smiles — more than happy to have a hit of tennis with everyone.
Much like how she departed tennis, Barty is also doing motherhood on her own terms. She’s an avid reader but admits she’s had little time to delve deep into books “gathering dust” on the bedside table. Don’t expect to find her absorbed by titles such as How to Raise a Son.
“Mum is the one who told me don’t listen to anyone’s advice when it comes to motherhood — do it your way,” Barty said, although she does make an exception. “The first people I bounce ideas with are mum and my sisters.”
She continued, “I have been very lucky to watch my two sisters raise their kids and I love to talk to them and get their honest opinion that is non-judgemental in any way shape, or form. They’re also the people I need to tell me, Ash you’re doing a great job.”
The fact a fortuitous career in tennis led to retirement in her mid-twenties isn’t lost on Barty, ever grateful she can spend time with Hayden. “Honestly, my tennis career feels like a lifetime ago when I am with him, it’s a totally different world from motherhood.”
“Tennis makes you a selfish athlete where you structure your days around what you need to do to perform — that is what matters every day,” she added, before noting prioritization completely shifts as a parent.
