Ash Barty makes major family announcement amid return to the court at the Brisbane International

Australian tennis legend Ashleigh Barty and her husband, Garry Kissick, shared heartwarming news: they are expecting their second child. The announcement, made via a joint Instagram post, featured their 18-month-old son, Hayden, wearing a T-shirt proclaiming, “I am going to be a BIG BROTHER,” with the caption, “Merry Christmas from our growing family to yours!” The post, which quickly garnered thousands of likes and congratulations from fans and celebrities like Casey Dellacqua and Giaan Rooney, marked a joyful milestone for the couple, who welcomed Hayden in July 2023. Just days later, Barty returned to the court at the Brisbane International on December 29, 2024, headlining a charity showcase, blending her personal and professional lives in a remarkable way (*au.news.yahoo.com*, *web:0*).

A Charity Showcase at Brisbane International

Barty’s return to the Pat Rafter Arena at the Brisbane International was not a competitive comeback but a special appearance for the Ash Barty Foundation, which she launched in January 2024 to support young Australians through sport and education. The event, part of the Family Fun Day on December 29, featured Barty alongside fellow Queenslander Pat Rafter and ATP/WTA stars like Frances Tiafoe and Ons Jabeur. As the tournament’s Ballkids Ambassador, Barty also presented caps to the “Barty Ballkids,” who wore her foundation’s logo on their uniforms. She expressed gratitude, saying, “I’m thrilled to raise awareness for the Ash Barty Foundation and engage with young Australians. It’s about giving kids opportunities to follow their dreams” (*brisbaneinternational.com.au*, *web:3*, *web:4*).

The charity match, which drew a roaring crowd, highlighted Barty’s enduring popularity since her retirement in March 2022, just two months after winning the Australian Open. Her appearance alongside Rafter was a “spectacular” launch for the Family Fun Day, with tickets starting at $30 for adults and $60 for families (*tennis.com.au*, *web:1*). Barty’s involvement underscores her commitment to inspiring the next generation, a role she’s embraced as Tennis Australia’s National Indigenous Tennis Ambassador (*wtatennis.com*, *web:11*).

A New Chapter as a Family of Four

The family announcement came to fruition on June 16, 2025, when Barty and Kissick welcomed their daughter, Jordan. Sharing the news on Instagram, Barty wrote, “Welcome to the world, Jordan. You are loved unconditionally, and we are so grateful to have you in our arms, gorgeous girl.” The post, featuring an adorable photo of Jordan yawning, drew heartfelt responses, with Dellacqua commenting, “Can’t wait to cuddle you soon,” and beach volleyball gold medalist Natalie Cook noting her daughter, also named Jordan, would be “beside herself” (*abc.net.au*, *web:10*; *7news.com.au*, *web:7*). Jordan joins Hayden, born July 2, 2023, making the couple a family of four.

Barty, who married Kissick in a secret tropical wedding in July 2022, has embraced motherhood while balancing her post-tennis career. Speaking to News Corp in 2023, she described raising Hayden as “the best and hardest thing I’ve ever done” (*nowtolove.com.au*, *web:8*). The Christmas announcement, with Hayden’s T-shirt reveal, was a typically understated yet charming move, reflecting Barty’s grounded nature despite her global fame.

Balancing Legacy and New Ventures

Since retiring at 25 as the world No. 1, Barty has stayed active off the court. She published a bestselling memoir, *My Dream Time*, and a children’s book series, *Little Ash*, inspired by her niece and co-authored with Jasmin McGaughey and Jade Goodwin. Her role as a Mattel Barbie alongside Evonne Goolagong Cawley for International Women’s Day 2025 celebrated her legacy as a Ngarigo woman and tennis icon (*womensweekly.com.au*, *web:15*). On the court, Barty has limited her appearances to charity events, often with Dellacqua, but her Brisbane International return thrilled fans, who packed Pat Rafter Arena to see their “sporting darling” (*au.news.yahoo.com*, *web:0*).

Barty’s foundation work remains a priority, with the Brisbane event raising awareness for youth opportunities. She noted, “I’ve been fortunate in my journey, but not all kids have that experience. The Ash Barty Foundation is about helping them discover what they love” (*tennis.com.au*, *web:1*). Her role as Ballkids Ambassador and on-court presence reinforced her commitment to community, even as she navigates motherhood.

Fan and Sporting Context

The announcement and Barty’s return sparked joy on social media, with X posts like, “Ash Barty expecting baby #2 and back on court for charity? Absolute legend! 🇦🇺” (*@TheTennisLetter*). Her news coincided with other tennis headlines, including Alex de Minaur’s Davis Cup preparations against Belgium on September 13-14, 2025, marred by Lleyton Hewitt’s £15,000 fine for pushing a volunteer. Barty’s positive story offered a heartwarming contrast, reinforcing her status as a beloved figure.

A Bright Future

Ash Barty’s major family announcement and Brisbane International appearance highlight her ability to balance personal milestones with her enduring influence in tennis. Welcoming Jordan while championing her foundation, Barty continues to inspire, proving that her legacy—on and off the court—remains as powerful as ever. As she told fans, “It’s only the beginning” for her work with young Australians, and with her growing family, Barty’s next chapter promises to be just as remarkable.