Evonne Goolagong Cawley: Grace, greatness and a lasting legacy

With the 2026 National Indigenous Tennis Carnival concluding on the weekend, we’re releasing an interview with Evonne Goolagong Cawley, the Aussie legend who supported the creation of the annual event in Darwin. Goolagong chatted with Casey Dellacqua at last year’s Night of Champions in Melbourne, reliving the journey to career heights including seven Grand Slam singles titles and the world No.1 ranking. Celebrated for her graceful all-court play and revered the world over, Goolagong won her final Slam title as a mother at Wimbledon in 1980. After winding down her playing career a few years after that, Goolagong Cawley has stayed connected with the sport while her eponymous foundation creates opportunities for First Nations kids in Australia to discover tennis and thrive through the sport. She was a significant inspiration for Ash Barty, who emulated Googlagong Cawley as a world No.1 and multiple major champion, the final one coming at Australian Open 2022 – where Goolagong Cawley was the surprise trophy presenter.

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