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Ashleigh Barty has described motherhood as "the best and hardest thing" she has ever done. Barty, 27, announced on July 4th the birth of her first child Hayden. After stunningly retiring from pro tennis in 2022 March at the age of 25, Barty tied the knot with her long-time partner Garry Kissick in June of that year.
Then just before this year's Australian Open, Barty announced she and her husband were expecting their first child. Although certain aspects of motherhood are challenging, Barty is happy about her new experience as she describes baby boy Hayden as "amazing."
Barty on how she feels about motherhood
"It's the best thing I've ever done, and hardest thing I've ever done.
Hayden is amazing, I feel so very lucky. Garry and I are really just enjoying what is a pretty quiet time together at home as a little family. Having seen my sisters become mums, and spending so much time with their kids, I had some idea of how it would feel, but it's certainly at a different level when it's your own child, and they are completely dependent on you!
It's pretty incredible. My hands are a little bit more full now but my morning walk is still my favorite part of the day, The pack of hounds and Hayden and I all out together and getting on with the day!" Barty told News Corp.
When Barty announced her retirement, she was coming off victory at the Australian Open and she was also ranked at the world No 1 spot in the women's game. Addressing her decision to retire, Barty revealed at the time that there was no motivation or fire left in her to still compete at the highest level. Also, Barty highlighted at the time that she wanted to give herself to some other non-tennis things in life.