The Evonne Goolagong Cawley Story
One of Australia’s Most Loved Tennis Champions
Daughter of a poor Aborigine sheep shearer, Evonne Goolagong remained resilient and committed as she battled against the odds in the world of professional tennis.
Evonne Goolagong was born on July 31st 1951 in Barellan, New South Wales, Australia. Against all odds, this Aboriginal Australian rose to be ranked Worlds No 1 Tennis Champion. Listen to this song as you watch the footage of a Tribute to Evonne Goolagong on Utube.com. You will get a feel for how fresh faced, unspoilt by success and likable she was. This Utube clip from remstar1 shows Goolagong’s tennis style.
Her Popularity
She became a favourite with the Australian tennis crowds because she was genuinely nice. The Australian population seemed to understand how hard she would have battled to get to the top. The emotion behind the words in the tribute "We are proud you are Australian"; most likely refers to indigenous Australian identity. For her to train her way to the position of champion in the cultural milieu of her time must have been very difficult. Yet she did it.
This is a quote from Vic Edwards Journal.
“Aboriginal aspect might not sit well in Tennis circles …but a challenge…interesting to see how a first Aboriginal would go in tennis if properly handled.” p46 "Evonne" Goolagong.E etal. Hart-Davis Mac-Gibbon. London 1975
Evonne's Struggle
Aboriginal people faced widespread discrimination in rural Australia at this time. Bill Kurtzman is the one to thank for her first stroke of good fortune. He saw her peering through the fence at the local courts and encouraged her to come in and play. In 1967, a Sydney tennis coach Vic Edwards was asked to “take a look” at the young Evonne. He immediately saw her potential. Her parents allowed Evonne to move to Sydney, where she attended Willoughby Girls High School. She completed her School Certificate in 1968. Edwards, who generously supported her while she completed her schooling, trained her.
Her Accomplishments
Goolagong was haled World No.1 Australian Female Tennis Player. She was one of the world's leading players in the 1970s and early 1980s, when she won 14 Grand Slam titles: 7 in singles (4 Australian Open, 2 Wimbledon and 1 French Open), 6 in women's doubles, and 1 in mixed doubles.
Resilience and Tenacity
It is true that she had natural talent and that she was a superb sportswoman and athlete. However, these qualities alone would not guarantee a white Australian woman train her way to the top and manage to stay on the circuit a while. So, how did Evonne?
In her book, Evonne says that a series of strokes of good luck led to her discovery and subsequent support. This would have been true, but it was also true, that she slogged hard in training. She was also able to fit in and adapt when out of context. Living in Sydney would have been a culture shock for the young girl. International travel and the extraordinary publicity that went with her position would have been confronting and a test to her resilience.
Right Place, Right Time, Right Person
Excellent physical attributes were combined with a cheerful, philosophical nature that saw her perform with ease. At her peak, "she was regarded as one of the most graceful and subtle exponents of the women's game ever seen." At the same time, she remained unselfconscious, candid and charming. Cover blurb "Evonne." 1975
Settling Down
Evonne married Roger Cawley another tennis player in 1975. The couple bought a home at Noosa Heads, Queensland, in 1991. Evonne finds herself bestowed with many honours such as her 1988 induction to the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
Goolagong was a member of the Board of the Australian Sports Commission from 1995 to 1997 and since 1997 has held the position of Sports Ambassador to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities.
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