<p>Retired former world number one Ashleigh Barty announced Friday she was expecting a baby, almost a year after the Australian's shock retirement from the sport.</p>.<p>The popular three-time Grand Slam champion stunned the tennis world in March last year by quitting aged just 25, saying she had fulfilled her dreams and was "spent physically".</p>.<p>She married long-time partner Garry Kissick in July with a baby now on the way.</p>.<p>"2023 set to be the best year yet," she wrote on Instagram alongside a picture of baby shoes and her pet dog.</p>.<p>"We are so excited for our new adventure. Origi (dog) already the protective big sister."</p>.<p>Barty is expected to be at Melbourne Park later this month, the scene of her Australian Open triumph last year, for a range of appearances.</p>.<p>Earlier this week, she visited the mixed teams United Cup tournament in Brisbane to greet Iga Swiatek, who took over as world number one after her retirement.</p>
<p>Retired former world number one Ashleigh Barty announced Friday she was expecting a baby, almost a year after the Australian's shock retirement from the sport.</p>.<p>The popular three-time Grand Slam champion stunned the tennis world in March last year by quitting aged just 25, saying she had fulfilled her dreams and was "spent physically".</p>.<p>She married long-time partner Garry Kissick in July with a baby now on the way.</p>.<p>"2023 set to be the best year yet," she wrote on Instagram alongside a picture of baby shoes and her pet dog.</p>.<p>"We are so excited for our new adventure. Origi (dog) already the protective big sister."</p>.<p>Barty is expected to be at Melbourne Park later this month, the scene of her Australian Open triumph last year, for a range of appearances.</p>.<p>Earlier this week, she visited the mixed teams United Cup tournament in Brisbane to greet Iga Swiatek, who took over as world number one after her retirement.</p>