Ash Barty just won hearts all over again—but not on the court this time. The retired tennis star and former World No. 1 gave her fans a peek into her most cherished role yet: being a mum. Over the weekend, Barty posted the very first photo of her newborn baby girl, cradled tenderly beside her older sibling, and the internet is officially in meltdown mode.
In the touching Instagram post, Barty captioned the photo simply: “Our hearts are full. Meet little Ava Rose and her proud big brother, Teddy.” That was all it took for the comments to flood in. Fans, fellow athletes, and celebrities all poured in with heart emojis and messages of love.
The photo itself? Pure joy. Baby Ava, wrapped in a pastel pink onesie, lay sleeping peacefully in her older brother’s lap—his arms wrapped protectively around her, with a grin that could outshine Centre Court in July. Barty and husband Garry Kissick are clearly embracing the next phase of life with warmth, grace, and a whole lot of love.
This moment marks a major milestone for Barty, who retired from tennis in 2022 at the peak of her powers. She left fans stunned when she walked away from the game after winning the Australian Open, citing a desire for a more balanced life beyond the baseline. In a world that often pressures athletes to keep grinding, Barty’s decision to put her personal happiness first was refreshingly bold.
Since retiring, Barty has largely kept her life private—appearing only occasionally in interviews, charity events, and tennis commentary spots. But she’s made it clear in those rare public appearances that starting a family was always part of her dream. And now, here it is—real, beautiful, and unfolding in the most heartwarming way.
The Australian media picked up on the post instantly, with headlines like “Barty’s Newest Victory: Baby Joy” and “Ace of Hearts – Ash Barty’s Growing Family.” Fans around the world have praised her for sharing such a personal moment and showing what life after sport can look like.
It’s unclear if Barty will post more family photos or continue to keep things low-key. But one thing is certain: Whether she’s lifting trophies or babies, Ash Barty remains a champion in every sense of the word.
And judging by the smiles in that photo, this just might be her greatest win yet. 🍼🎉👶❤️