Former world No. 1 tennis star Ash Barty and her husband, Garry Kissick, have announced the arrival of their second child—a daughter, whom they have named Jordan. The couple shared the happy news on social media early Sunday morning, posting a photograph of their newborn cradled in Barty’s arms. The announcement has prompted an outpouring of congratulations from the tennis world and beyond.
“Welcome to the World, Jordan”
In an Instagram post that quickly garnered tens of thousands of likes, Barty wrote: “Welcome to the world, Jordan. You are loved unconditionally and we are so grateful to have you in our arms, gorgeous girl.” The caption accompanied a serene black-and-white image of the infant, swaddled in a soft blanket, as Barty and Kissick shared proud smiles. Barty and her family declined to disclose Jordan’s birth date or weight but confirmed that both mother and daughter were doing well.
Big Brother Hayden Meets His Sister
Baby Jordan joins big brother Hayden, who was born in July 2023. In a separate post, Kissick shared a photo of Hayden on the beach gazing tenderly at his newborn sister, writing: “Hayden, say hello to your baby sister Jordan. You’re going to be the best big brother.” Fans immediately noted Hayden’s calm demeanor and sweet curiosity, predicting that he will be both protective and playful in his new role.
Tennis Community Reacts with Joy
Within minutes of the announcement, tributes came flooding in from across the sporting world. Casey Dellacqua, Barty’s former doubles partner and close friend, posted on X: “Hi gorgeous Jordan. Can’t wait to cuddle you soon. Good job mum and dad.” Dellacqua, who won multiple Grand Slam doubles finals alongside Barty, added that she was “over the moon” to see her friend embrace motherhood once more.
Beach volleyball gold medallist Natalie Cook quipped that her own daughter, also named Jordan, would be “beside herself” at the coincidence. Fellow Australian tennis players, including Daria Saville and Ajla Tomljanović, left heart and baby-emoticon comments under Barty’s post, celebrating the expansion of what has become the sport’s most high-profile family outside of the Williams clan.
Life After Tennis: Family First
Barty shocked the tennis world when she announced her retirement at the age of 25 in March 2022, citing a desire to “give back to the community” and spend more time with family. In the more than three years since, she and Kissick—whom she married in April 2022—have taken up residence in regional Queensland, where they run a cattle farm and have pursued philanthropic projects, including grassroots tennis clinics for remote communities.
Speaking to ABC News in late 2023, Barty described the joys of motherhood and farming life as “invaluable counterpoints” to the relentless travel and competition of the WTA Tour. “I never imagined that I’d fall in love again with my sport by stepping away from it,” she said at the time, “but every day on the farm, every moment with Hayden, reminds me of why I wanted to reclaim my own time and priorities.”
A Distinguished Tennis Career
Before turning her attention to family life, Barty reached the pinnacle of world tennis as the WTA’s No. 1-ranked singles player. Her seven-week reign at the top of the rankings followed a decorated career highlighted by three Grand Slam titles: the 2019 French Open, 2021 Wimbledon, and the 2022 Australian Open. She also captured multiple WTA 1000 titles, including the Miami Open and Stuttgart Open, and won the Year-End WTA Finals in 2019.
Barty’s all-court game—marked by powerful serves, deft volleys, and a signature slice backhand—endeared her to fans worldwide. Her sportsmanship, humility, and commitment to her West Indian Indigenous heritage garnered her widespread admiration both on and off the court. In 2022, she became the first Indigenous Australian woman to win the Australian Open, dedicating the trophy to her Indigenous family lineage.
Philanthropy and Community Engagement
Since retiring, Barty and Kissick have channeled their public profile toward charitable endeavors, partnering with organizations such as Tennis Queensland’s Remote Outreach Initiative and OzHarvest, a leading food rescue charity. In 2023, they co-founded the Barty-Kissick Foundation, which provides scholarships to Indigenous and regional students pursuing higher education in sports science and agriculture.
The news of their growing family has inspired Barty’s foundation supporters, who see her choices—prioritizing family, community, and purpose—as emblematic of leadership beyond athletic achievement. “Ash has shown us that success is not just titles and rankings,” said Toni McGrath, CEO of Tennis Queensland. “It’s about using your gifts to uplift others.”
What’s Next for the Barty-Kissick Family?
As they welcome Jordan, Barty and Kissick are reportedly planning a brief period of rest before returning to public life. Their team has hinted at upcoming announcements regarding the expansion of the foundation’s scholarship programs and a possible documentary chronicling their transition from global tennis superstar to community advocates and parents of two.
Friends say that Hayden, now almost two years old, has already embraced his role as big brother. “He’s very gentle,” Casey Dellacqua reported after a recent visit. “He pets the farm dogs softly and now he’s fascinated by baby toys. I think he’s going to be a fantastic older brother.”
Messages of Support and Encouragement
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, a former tennis enthusiast himself, offered congratulations on social media, noting: “Ash Barty has always made Australia proud—not just through her Grand Slam victories, but through her grace and generosity. Welcome to baby Jordan, and warmest wishes to Ash, Garry, and Hayden.” Opposition Leader Peter Dutton added: “A wonderful moment for a wonderful family. Australia celebrates with you.”
Global sports icons have also sent well-wishes. Rafael Nadal, who famously defeated Barty in the 2021 season-ending WTA Finals mixed doubles exhibition, posted: “Congratulations, Ash and Garry! New adventures await you. Enjoy every moment.” Serena Williams, Barty’s contemporary and occasional doubles partner in exhibition matches, expressed her joy in a heartfelt Instagram comment: “So happy for your growing family, Ash! Jordan is one lucky little girl.”
Reflections on Parenthood and Legacy
Speaking to Vogue Australia late last year, Barty reflected on her shift in priorities: “Winning Wimbledon was an unparalleled thrill, and it shaped my identity for years. Now, Hayden shapes my world. I wake up thinking, ‘How can I be the best mother?’ And I can’t wait to do it again.” Family friends say that Barty views motherhood as her “greatest challenge and reward,” on par with any Grand Slam final.
As Barty steps into her role as mother of two, the tennis world stands in solidarity. Whether she ever picks up a racket again—an increasingly unlikely prospect—her legacy continues to expand in new directions: as a champion, philanthropist, and devoted parent. Baby Jordan’s arrival marks the beginning of a new chapter in the Barty-Kissick story—one defined not by rankings or medals, but by the everyday joys and trials of family life, community service, and raising the next generation.
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