‘Hard but the greatest thing I’ve ever done’: Ash Barty opens up about being a mum

With her second child due this year, former tennis star Ash Barty opens up about life as a mum.

With the arrival of her second child due this year, former tennis champion Ash Barty reflects on life as a mum, surprising aspect of parenthood and if she still plays tennis.

What is your perfect Saturday?A quiet day at home with family. A morning walk with (son) Hayden and the dogs, coffee in the sun, my sisters and their kids come over for a play and (husband) Garry and I put on the barbecue in the afternoon and watch whatever sport is on TV (right now the cricket). Otherwise a day on the golf course.

Where do you go to relax? The golf course.

Ash Barty opens up on life as a mum. Picture: Nic Morley

Do you still play tennis? Not much! I have the occasional hit with a few of the Aussie girls in Brisbane and coach my nieces and nephew every now and then but that’s it. I’m still very active but not as much on the tennis court.

Favourite place to go as a family? A visit to one of Queensland’s beautiful beaches. North Stradbroke Island or the Gold Coast.

What is one item in your home you can’t live without? My coffee machine.

What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about parenthood? No two days are the same! Being patient and learning to accept that it’s OK to not get it right all the time. It’s hard but it is the greatest thing I’ve ever done, I feel very lucky to have Hayden (Barty is also expecting her second child this year).

How do you stay motivated during challenging times? I remember my goals and values. I talk to those I love and trust – my family, my old coach Tyzz (Craig Tyzzer), and Ben Crowe, who is still a mentor to me.

Ash Barty plays doubles with Pat Rafter during the Charity Showcase, Pat Rafter Arena, during the Brisbane International Tennis Tournament, Brisbane. pic: Lyndon Mechielsen

Can you share a funny mum moment? I’ve had many! Hayden has created chaos in what was a very clean and organised home! The mess one little person can make is pretty amazing. Meal times are always good fun, we’ve had a few meals flung across the room on his spoon which he finds hilarious.

What projects are you working on in 2025? I am excited to continue my work with the Ash Barty Foundation in 2025, helping young Australians receive more opportunities and access to sport and education. I’ll also be down in Melbourne for the Australian Open this month, supporting my partnerships with Marriott Bonvoy, Banana Boat, Rado and Vegemite.

Ash Barty announces she’s having baby number two. Picture: Ash Barty/Instagram

Did you make any New Year’s resolutions? I don’t have resolutions but I do set goals every New Year’s Eve. Goal setting has always been an important process for me, both personally and professionally.

Tell us some of your top priorities on your life bucket list? Being a good person and putting my family first have always been the most important things to me. In terms of bucket list travel, I’d love to go to South Africa and Hawaii one day, these are two places I have never been.

What advice do you wish someone told you as a young athlete? It will all work out in the end. Looking back, I see that the experiences I found really difficult at the time or that I didn’t understand played a part in where I am today.

For more information on the Ash Barty Foundation, visit ashbartyfoundation.com.au