Australian tennis champion Ash Barty delighted fans across the country earlier this year when she joyfully announced the birth of her first child.

At the time, Barty took to Instagram to announce the exciting news with an adorable picture of the little bundle of joy, a “beautiful boy” named Hayden.

“Our beautiful boy. Welcome to the world, Hayden!” she wrote.

While fans were overjoyed to hear of Barty’s new arrival, the 27-year-old recently delighted fans once again after revealing what life is like as a new mum.

Although Barty’s stellar career no doubt brought her joy and an experience like no other, the former World No. 1 revealed that motherhood is “the best thing” she has ever done.

“And hardest thing I’ve ever done,” she added during an interview with the Herald Sun.

“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.”

In addition, Barty described the “incredible” bond she shares with her newborn son, an experience she had glimpsed through her sisters becoming mothers, but one she now acknowledges as reaching an entirely “different level” with her little Hayden.

“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,” she explained.

With her background in early morning training sessions as a competitive athlete, Barty now enjoys livelier mornings with little Hayden by her side.

“My hands are a little bit more full now but my morning walk is still my favourite part of the day,” she said.

“The pack of hounds and Hayden and I all out together and getting on with the day.”

Barty certainly has had her hands full, in addition to her role as a mother she has been engaged in various endeavours recently. In 2022, she claimed victory in a golf tournament at the Brookwater Golf and Country Club and in the same year, she surprised fans with a photo of her secret wedding to long-time beau Garry Kissick.

She also recently took on a new role as the Chief of Inspiration with the Australian telecom giant, Optus, making her mark in the corporate world.

Even more recently, Barty took on an ambassador role for Australian Made Week 2023, actively promoting the benefits of purchasing products that proudly bear the Australian Made logo.