Former world number one Ash Barty made a surprise return to tennis at the Brisbane International, playing an exhibition match with Frances Tiafoe against Ons Jabeur and Pat Rafter. Barty, who retired abruptly in 2022, revealed she is expecting her second child and celebrated the occasion by joining the festivities at the tournament.
Ash Barty celebrated her Christmas Day pregnancy reveal with a return to tennis at the Brisbane International. The 28-year-old champion and husband Gary Kissick shared their baby joy late on December 25 with firstborn Hayden wearing a T-shirt branded ‘I am going to be a big brother’. Barty abruptly retired in March 2022 — just weeks after winning the Australian Open — and gave birth to her son in July the following year.
The three-time grand slam champion consistently batted away questions about a comeback and will now be even busier in 2025. But Barty has maintained a presence at the Australian summer of tennis since launching her foundation. She presented Brisbane ballkids with their hats on Saturday ahead of the opening day of the tournament on Sunday. “Had a fun morning presenting the Brisbane International Ballkids with their hats,” Barty wrote. “These boys and girls play such an important role for players and tournaments and I’m super proud to be supporting them through my foundation.” One day later Barty was on court herself, stepping out to play an exhibition set with Frances Tiafoe against Ons Jabeur and Pat Rafter. “A bit sweatier than I’d hoped,” Barty said after the third game. “It’s nice to be back out here, a beautiful court with good friends. It’s a good day.” The scoreboard was turned off when Barty and Tiafoe led 4-2, with ballkids briefly joining the action. “What an unbelievable cause Ash is doing, giving back to the kids,” Tiafoe said. “It’s incredible, I’m a big fan of her and her game and what she did, what a legend. It was an honour to be a part of it today, and meet the legend Pat Rafter.” Barty received a rapturous applause on multiple occasions and stuck around to sign autographs for fans. Rafter, 52, is a veteran of the legends exhibition circuit and joked “at any moment a hamstring can snap on me”. “I’m hanging in there, I love it,” he said inside the arena bearing his name
ASH BARTY TENNIS BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL PREGNANCY EXHIBITION MATCH
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