Ash Barty's Christmas surprise has nothing to do with tennis.

Ash Barty, the former world number one tennis player, has delighted fans with the exciting news that she is expecting her second child. 

The Australian sports icon and her husband, Garry Kissick, made the joyous announcement on Christmas Day 2024, less than 18 months after welcoming their first child. 

This latest announcement marks another significant milestone in Barty's journey since retiring from professional tennis in 2022. 

After shocking the sports world with her retirement at the peak of her career, Barty has embraced family life with open arms. 

She married Garry Kissick in July 2022, and the couple welcomed their first child, Hayden, in July 2023.

Barty's transition from tennis champion to motherhood has been seamless, with the former athlete often expressing her joy and fulfilment in her new challenge.

Ash Barty announces that she's pregnant with her second baby.

Little Hayden is going to be a big brother. Image: Instagram/@ashbarty

On Christmas Day 2024, Ash Barty and Garry Kissick shared the heartwarming news of their second pregnancy with their fans and followers. 

The announcement came in the form of a charming Instagram post featuring their son Hayden. 

The one-year-old was pictured standing in front of the family's Christmas tree, wearing a t-shirt that proudly proclaimed, "I'm going to be a BIG BROTHER."

The couple captioned the post with a simple yet touching message: "Merry Christmas from our growing family to yours!" 

The sweet yet understated announcement is characteristic of Barty's modest and private approach to her personal life. 

The news was met with an outpouring of joy and congratulations from fans, friends, and fellow athletes. 

Pro-surfer Stephanie Gilmore commented, "Oh whaaat!! Awesome news, congrats!!" while her doubles partner Casey Dellacqua added, "Can't wait to meet #2 sweetie, so exciting."

The timing of the announcement, coinciding with the holiday season, added an extra layer of joy to the couple's Christmas celebrations and those of their supporters worldwide.

Ash Barty welcomed her first child in July 2023.

Ash Barty and Garry Kissick welcomed their first child, a son named Hayden, in July 2023. 

She first announced the pregnancy in January 2023, taking to Instagram with a photo of her dog Origi and a pair of baby shoes, captioning it, "2023 set to be the best year yet. We are so excited for our new adventure."

Origi poses with some little baby shoes. Image: Instagram/@ashbarty

Six months later, the couple announced the birth on social media with a simple yet touching post, stating, "Our beautiful boy. Welcome to the world, Hayden!"

The arrival of Hayden marked a new chapter in Barty's life, coming just over a year after her retirement from professional tennis. 

The birth announcement was accompanied by an adorable image of the newborn, wrapped in a puppy-themed swaddle and wearing a koala baby beanie, showcasing the couple's Australian pride.

Little Hayden is born. Image: Instagram/@ashbarty

The news of Hayden's birth was met with an outpouring of congratulations from the sports world and beyond.

Fans and fellow athletes alike expressed their joy for the new parents. The Wimbledon official account playfully commented, "Future Wimbledon champ? Congratulations!" while Australian football star Samantha Kerr offered her congratulations.

Barty's transition to motherhood was joyful. In February 2024, reflecting on her early experiences of motherhood, Barty shared, "It's everything that I've ever wanted to do. I think the challenges that you have each and every day are different but the rewards and the fun so outweigh it. It's much better than anything else I've ever done."

Ash Barty and Casey Dellacqua with little Hayden. Image: Instagram.

When did Ash Barty get married?

Ash Barty on her wedding day to Garry Kissick. Image: Instagram/@ashbarty

Ash Barty and Garry Kissick tied the knot in July 2022, in a private ceremony that took place in Queensland, Australia. The couple chose to keep their wedding intimate and low-key, reflecting their preference for privacy in their personal lives. 

Barty announced their marriage on July 30, 2022, through a single post on Instagram. She shared a photo of herself and Kissick on their wedding day, captioning it simply, "Husband & Wife." The image showed the couple beaming with happiness, with Barty in a classic white dress and Kissick in a black velvet tux and bow tie.

The wedding ceremony was reportedly attended by a small group of close friends and family, including tennis greats Pat Rafter, Alicia Molik, and Casey Dellacqua.

The couple had announced their engagement on November 23, 2021, after Kissick proposed a week earlier. Barty shared the news on Instagram, referring to Kissick as her "future husband."

Their wedding came just a few months after Barty's retirement from professional tennis, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her life focused on family and personal happiness.

How did Ash Barty meet Garry Kissick?

Ash Barty and Garry Kissick's love story began in 2016 at the Brookwater Golf Club in Queensland, Australia. Barty, an avid golfer, was at the club to play a round of golf when she met Kissick, who worked there as a trainee professional.

The encounter proved to be life-changing for both of them. Despite their different professional backgrounds — Barty being a world-class tennis player and Kissick a golf professional — they immediately clicked and began dating. 

Their relationship remained private for about a year before they made their first public appearance as a couple. In 2017, Barty brought Kissick as her date to the John Newcombe Awards, where she received Australian tennis' highest honor. This event marked their red carpet debut as a couple. 

Barty has spoken fondly about how Kissick adapted to her life as a professional tennis player. In an interview with Vogue, she revealed that Kissick "didn't know a lot" about tennis when they began dating but quickly became accustomed to the touring lifestyle. She praised him for his ability to help her switch off from tennis and bring fun and laughter into their lives.

Their relationship, built on mutual support and shared interests, has been a cornerstone of Barty's life both during her tennis career and in her retirement.

Who is Garry Kissick?

Garry Kissick, Ash Barty's husband, is a professional golfer who has been working in the golf industry for over a decade. 

He began his career at the Brookwater Golf Club in Queensland, Australia, where he first met Barty in 2016.

According to his LinkedIn profile, he has worked his way up the corporate ladder, becoming a PGA Trainee Professional in 2018. 

Barty has often spoken about how Kissick helps her maintain balance in her life. In an interview, she said, "He's the best person to have around in the sense of switching off from tennis and being able to bring the fun and laughter when we are training and not be so serious all the time."

Feature image: Instagram.