Ash Barty has offered a warm glimpse into life beyond the court, revealing how family has reshaped her world since retiring as world number one in March 2022.
In a rare interview, the 29-year-old opened up about the joy she’s found at home with husband Garry Kissick, whom she married in July 2022, and their two young children, two-year-old son Hayden and five-month-old daughter Jordan.
“Both my husband and I are very grateful that we’ve got two happy and healthy kids that have brought so much joy and chaos into our lives,” she told Stellar.
“It’s about appreciating the little things, and I’m certainly able to enjoy those little things each and every day. I’m very lucky.”
While many might assume Hayden would naturally gravitate toward tennis, it’s actually his father’s sport that has captured his attention.
The toddler has become fascinated with golf, complete with his own miniature clubs, a detail Barty and Kissick find both entertaining and endearing, given Kissick’s professional golfing background.
“He’s golf-mad,” Barty shared.
“Well, he’s sport-mad. He’s such an outdoors kid – like I was, like a lot of Queensland kids are.”
Barty, who now serves as an ambassador for suncare brand Banana Boat, says she’s especially excited for the festive season ahead, which will be their first Christmas as a family of four.
She says Hayden is now old enough to feel the magic of the holiday, helped along by his older cousins.
“Hayden is at a great age now. He understands the concept and loves it,” she said.
“He’s got four older cousins as well who help him along the way. It’s nice to just have a pretty quiet day, with the kids getting their presents.”
“Then we get set for the Boxing Day Test. We all sit down and watch the cricket. That’s my dream Christmas.”
Images: Instagram
