Ash Barty, former world No. 1 and the undisputed queen of graceful retirements, has officially gone from backhands to baby bottles—and according to her, it’s the most rewarding championship of her life. After casually stepping away from tennis in 2022 while still at the top (because that’s just how Barty rolls), fans were left wondering: What next?
Well, the answer came with a rattle and a giggle. Enter baby Barty—a tiny bundle of joy who reportedly hits 3 a.m. wake-ups harder than Serena’s first serve.
Ash hasn’t exactly been hiding under the radar, but she’s certainly traded press conferences for prams and Grand Slam glory for grand nappy duty. And she’s loving it. In a recent cozy sit-down interview (in which she looked 100% like your super-chill neighbor who bakes excellent muffins), Barty declared, “Being a mum is by far the most challenging and beautiful role I’ve ever had.” She then calmly described surviving a four-day colic marathon, proving once again she’s made of steely nerves.
Gone are the sweaty tennis kits. These days, she’s more often spotted in activewear that says “power walk with a stroller” than “Wimbledon final.” Her Instagram is a mix of baby feet, dog cuddles, and the occasional subtle reminder that she once casually crushed the entire tennis world.
Her partner, Garry Kissick, has taken to fatherhood like a pro doubles partner—supportive, ready, and reportedly a master at making midnight bottles while humming the Australian national anthem (unverified, but we choose to believe).
And yet, true to form, Barty can’t help but bring a little championship spirit to motherhood. Family friends claim she times her nappy changes for speed, and she’s even been spotted setting up mini obstacle courses in the backyard—“just for fun.” You can retire the racquet, but you can’t retire that competitive Barty streak.
Her fans? Equally obsessed. “She’s just winning at life now,” one commented. “Still unbeatable—just in the parenting league.”
So while she might not be lifting trophies these days, Ash Barty’s found a new court to dominate—one filled with lullabies, burp cloths, and more love than even a Wimbledon crowd can serve. And if she ever decides to return to tennis? Let’s just say we wouldn’t bet against her… especially if there’s a juice box at stake.
