"2023 set to be the best year yet": Ashleigh Barty set to become a mother for the first time as Australian Open approaches

Ashleigh Barty will become a mother for the first time, she has confirmed on social media ahead of the Australian Open and 10 months on from her retirement last March.

Many speculated whether Barty would stick to her retirement but since but has kept to her promise marrying her long time boyfriend, Garry Kissick and also playing golf but now there will be a new arrival.

To go alongside their dog Origi named after the former Liverpool striker. Earlier this week, Barty went to the United Cup in Brisbane to say hello to the World No.1 who replaced her in Iga Swiatek.

Simply announced with a picture of baby shoes and their dog, congratulations to the happy couple.

"2023 set to be the best year yet," Barty wrote. We are so excited for our new adventure. Origi already the protective big sister."