Ash Barty and son Hayden are the faces of BONDS Baby Search 2024

The tennis champion’s seven-month-old son is her spitting image in new photos for one of Australia’s most iconic competitions.

Ash Barty has given a rare look at her baby boy as part of one of Australia’s most iconic competitions.

The Aussie tennis champion and three-time Grand Slam winner, and her husband Garry Kissick, welcomed seven-month-old Hayden, their first child, last July.

Now, Barty is celebrating another milestone – with her and Hayden announced today as the faces of this year’s BONDS Baby Search.

“We’re so excited to be a part of the 2024 BONDS Baby Search. The past six months has been filled with so many firsts – including baby Hayden’s first photo-shoot – so it feels like the stars lined up for us to be the faces of this year’s comp,” the 27-year-old said.

Established in 2005, BONDS Baby Search has become an annual celebration of Aussie families and their offspring – offering families the chance to win $30k as well as daily cash prizes.

Ash Barty and her son Hayden are the faces of this year's BONDS Baby Search. Picture: Nic Morley/Supplied

‘It feels like the stars lined up for us to be the faces of this year’s comp.’ Picture: Nic Morley/Supplied

Barty told Body+Soul on Sunday that “motherhood is different to anything I’ve ever experienced”.

“I was very lucky to be able to watch my sisters raise their two kids, so I think I was always sensitive to how hard but also how rewarding it is,” she said.

“But it’s a completely different ball game when it’s your own child. It’s relentless – it’s 24/7 – but it’s so rewarding and, honestly, it’s the best thing that I’ve ever done. I think it’s incomparable to being an athlete.”

‘He’s a content, happy little thing.’ Picture: Nic Morley/Supplied

He might be her spitting image, but Barty said Hayden is already showing signs of both her and Kissick’s personalities.

“Hayden’s pretty relaxed for the most part. He’s a content, happy little thing, but when he does decide that it’s game over and it’s time to hear his voice, he certainly can make himself heard,” she said.

“It’s funny when you try and marry things up and work out which characteristics are coming from Mum or Dad. It’s good fun. I’m sure there’s a bit of stubbornness in there … I have to put my hand up for that one.”

‘It’s funny when you try and marry things up and work out which characteristics are coming from Mum or Dad.’ Picture: Nic Morley/Supplied

With three categories based on age – Newborn 0-6 months, Baby 6 months-2 years, and Toddler 2-3 years – winners will each receive $10,000, as well as the chance to win daily cash prizes of $200.

“What better way to celebrate another year of Baby Search than teaming up with a cultural and sporting icon. The excitement is definitely real over here at BONDS,” BONDS marketing manager, Christie Madsen, said.

Entries open today, February 7 and will close Wednesday, February 21 – with winners announced on Thursday, February 29.

You can find out more about the BONDS Baby Search here.