“Not even a comparison,” Ash Barty picks motherhood over winning any Grand Slam titles as she enjoys this new chapter of life in full swing

Ashleigh Barty has won three Grand Slam titles in her career.

“Not even a comparison,” Ash Barty picks motherhood over winning any Grand Slam titles as she enjoys this new chapter of life in full swing

Ash Barty with her baby (Source: IMAGO)

Ash Barty announced her retirement in March 2022, at the top of her career. The decision shocked the tennis world as it seemed to have come out of the blue, especially given the fact that she was in her prime, had just won the Australian Open in January, and was the World No. 1 at that time. However, the Australian had taken her decision and remained firm with it. 

A lot of fans wondered why Ash Barty made this decision. She had then said that she had achieved her dreams and was done with tennis.

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Continuing with the sport or maintaining her position as the best player in the world was at the bottom of her list of priorities and she wanted to explore more things in life. Barty announced that she was pregnant with her husband, Garry Kissick, in January 2023. 

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In July, she gave birth to her beautiful baby boy, Hayden. In a recent interview, Ash Barty was asked to compare motherhood to the experience of winning a Grand Slam, and she said that being a mother was much more satisfying, rewarding, and at times even more difficult. 

Without a doubt, not even a comparison. Absolutely. There were plenty of times throughout my career when I thought training was hard or I had some tough days, but it just goes to a whole new level when you become a mum. 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. 
She said. (Source: Body and Soul)

Ash Barty’s decorated career at a glance 

When Ash Barty announced her retirement, she was the world No. 1. She won a total of 15 WTA singles titles in her career, including three Grand Slams.

Former World No.1 Ash Barty and husband Garry Kissick share the first photos of their son 'Hayden'
Ash Barty (Image via The Guardian)

She won the 2019 French Open, the 2021 Wimbledon Championships, and the 2022 Australian Open. It was after winning the Australian Open that she announced her retirement. Barty remained the World No. 1 WTA player for 114 consecutive weeks. 

I don’t have the time – I don’t have the time to train, I don’t have the time to prepare, and I have so many great memories out on this court, and now I just get to create new memories. I’m certainly not coming out of retirement. Pat [Rafter] may be more likely than me.
She said in September, 2023. 

The Australian will not return from her retirement and she has made it pretty clear. 

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