In a heartwarming and unexpected moment at the Australian Open, retired champion Ash Barty offered a refreshingly honest look into the realities of raising two small children during a chat with the legendary Roger Federer.
A Surprise Return to Centre Court
The three-time Grand Slam winner made a spectacular surprise entrance during a legends doubles match at Melbourne Park on Saturday night. The dramatic reveal came as American great Andre Agassi teased the crowd, asking if there was "another Aussie Open winner here, like an Ash Barty?" The 29-year-old Queenslander then emerged to a huge ovation, teaming up with Federer to take on fellow Australians Lleyton Hewitt and Pat Rafter.
Barty and Federer went on to win the third and deciding set of the exhibition match, with the Swiss maestro hitting the final winning stroke. However, it was the conversation between points that truly captivated the audience.
"In the Trenches": A Candid Parenting Chat
During a break in play, the two former world number ones shared an unvarnished discussion about family life. Federer, a father of four, inquired about Barty's children. "Yeah, two and a half and seven months, so still young," Barty replied, referring to her son Hayden and baby daughter Jordan.
When Federer asked if she was busy, Barty's response was both relatable and enthusiastic. "Yes, in the trenches, I love it. I absolutely love it, though," she said. The exchange took a slightly humorous turn when Federer, after commenting that the baby stage is "so cute", was momentarily confused by her daughter's name, leading Barty to clarify that Jordan is a girl.
Life After Tennis: Embracing the "Carnage"
Barty's appearance at the Australian Open marks a rare public outing since her shock retirement from professional tennis at the peak of her powers on March 23, 2022. This followed her dream victory at her home Grand Slam earlier that year, adding to her 2019 French Open and 2021 Wimbledon titles.
She has since fully embraced family life with husband Garry Kissick, whom she married in July 2022. In a recent reflection, Barty contrasted her past meticulous athletic routine with her current reality, stating, "As an athlete I used to be the most meticulous, organised person and now it's absolute carnage." She had previously said she was preparing for "chaos" before Jordan's birth.
The couple announced they were expecting their second child on Christmas Day 2023 with a photo of Hayden in a 'big brother' T-shirt. They welcomed their daughter in 2024, sharing the news with the same warmth they showed when Hayden was born, posting, "Our beautiful boy. Welcome to the world, Hayden!" in 2023.
The scene at Melbourne Park provided a delightful fusion of world-class sport and genuine human connection, reminding fans that even the greatest champions navigate the same joyful challenges of parenthood.
