Tennis superstar Ash Barty has announced the birth of her baby boy!
Barty shared the announcement to Instagram, writing, “Our beautiful boy ❤️ Welcome to the world, Hayden!”
Both fans and friends were delighted by the news, with many offering their heartfelt congratulations to the new parents.
“The greatest triumph.💙 Congratulations!,” commented the Australian Open Instagram.
“Well how ’bout that for a Number #1! Congrats to you both. X,” added The Morning Show host Kylie Gillies.
“Congrats Ashhhhh!!!! Amazing news! He’s so gorgeous! He’s so lucky to have you guys as parents 💖💖,” added comedian Tanya Hennessy.
Barty announced that her and husband Gary Kissick were expecting their first child in January 2023, sharing an adorable post to Instagram of their dog alongside a pair of baby sneakers.
“2023 set to be the best year yet. We are so excited for our new adventure 👶🏼💫 Origi already the protective big sister ❤️,” wrote Barty.
In her final interview before welcoming her baby — to the world, Barty told Sunrise that she had been continuing to keep herself busy throughout the latter stages of her pregnancy.
“Obviously, exciting times coming up, but it’s been nice to do some really cool things in the lead up and continue to work and continue to be stimulated.”
Since retiring from tennis in 2022, Barty has spent her time dipping her toe into the world of literature, releasing her autobiography ‘My Dream Time’ in November, 2022, as well as creating her children’s book series ‘Little Ash.’
Although she is no longer on court, Barty is still involved in the tennis world, with the former world number one now taking up the mantle of mentor, assisting rising tennis star and fellow Queenslander Olivia Gadecki.
When reflecting on Ash’s involvement in her first Australian Open win, Gadecki told ABC News, “The best part is she just treats me like a normal person and we can relate in that regard, and off court is just as important as on court.”