Evonne Goolagong-Cawley, AC, MBE is a Wiradjuri Aborigine.
A tennis legend and cultural ambassador, she has left an indelible mark on Australian sports and society. Her illustrious career spans numerous accolades and achievements that transcend the tennis court.
In tennis, Evonne achieved the pinnacle of success, reaching number one in the world rankings in 1971 and 1976. She clinched a total of 92 professional tournaments, with standout victories including two Wimbledon titles, four Australian Open titles, and one French Open title. She was also a finalist in 18 Grand Slam singles events and secured seven Grand Slam doubles titles. Notably, Evonne made history at Wimbledon in 1980 by becoming the first mother to win the singles title since 1914, a testament to her enduring talent and resilience.
Beyond her athletic feats, Evonne has been a trailblazer in sports administration and community service. She represented Australia with distinction in the Fed Cup and served as Australia’s Fed Cup Captain from 2002 to 2004. Her contributions extend to governance roles, including as a board member of the Australian Sports Commission. Evonne has also been a passionate advocate for Indigenous sport, appointed by the Federal Government as a consultant in this field. Since 2005, she has spearheaded the Goolagong National Development Camp, empowering Indigenous youth through tennis to promote health, education, and employment opportunities. The program has been instrumental in awarding school scholarships, fostering future scholars, tennis players, coaches, and sports administrators, and aiding in employment placements.
