When Evonne Goolagong Cawley hoisted her first Grand Slam trophy in 1971, Indigenous people recognised a role model who proved that anything was possible.
Seeing was believing. The feats of the seven-time singles Grand Slam champion and former world No.1 inspired future Indigenous athletes including Olympian Cathy Freeman and fellow star Ash Barty.
Freeman and Barty have also followed Goolagong Cawley’s example in supporting First Nations communities after their retirements from elite sport.
As Goolagong Cawley and Barty continue to inspire the next generation through tennis, their service has earned widespread recognition.
In 2018, Goolagong Cawley was awarded a Companion of the Order of Australia for her role as an ambassador and advocate for the health, education and wellbeing of young Indigenous people.
“Through the Evonne Goolagong Foundation, I’ve been working with indigenous kids now for about 20 years, all around Australia,” she said.
“We use tennis as a vehicle to create better education and health.”
Barty was recognised in 2022 as NAIDOC Person of the Year for her contribution to youth sport and education.
Their influence is perhaps most visible at the annual National Indigenous Tennis Carnival held in Darwin.
> READ: Tennis and culture unite at National Indigenous Tennis Carnival
The carnival, which will stage its seventh edition in August, provides a unique opportunity for Indigenous people to come together from all parts of the country.
In 2025, the event welcomed over 160 First Nations participants in a celebration of culture, connection and competition.
“A lot of these kids, it’s the first time they’ve ever been on a flight. A lot of the time it’s their first time they’ve been to an event,” Barty said.
“That’s really special, that brings people together, that’s able to celebrate so much more than just the tennis.”
On a global scale, the Australian Open provides a spotlight on the world’s oldest continuous living culture through the annual Evonne Goolagong Cawley Day. Formerly known as First Nations Day, the day of significance has featured on the Australian Open calendar since 2022.
“It’s a day to honour Evonne and all of her achievements, but also to honour country – we are on Wurundjeri country – and also honour our history and our culture,” said Kyah Jones, Tennis Australia’s First Nations lead.
Tennis Australia also educate its employees through initiatives such as the Bunjil Pickleball Cup.
Held at Melbourne Park on Tuesday as part of Tennis Australia’s NAIDOC Week celebrations, the tournament mixed fun competition with further opportunity to learn about Indigenous culture.