Barbie will immortalise tennis icons and grand slam winners Ash Barty and Evonne Goolagong with one-off dolls aligning with International Women's Day.
The legendary Indigenous duo, with some 10 Grand Slam singles titles between them, are recognised together by Mattel's celebration of "the power of friendship".
Barty says the pair became immediate friends after first meeting at the 2011 Junior Wimbledon.
"There were so many similarities and just such easy conversation. Obviously there were so many things that we could relate to with each other in tennis, but in life. It was just that connection straight away, without a doubt," the French, Wimbledon and Australia Open winner said.
Goolagong Cawley, an enduring national sporting legend and powerhouse of her era, added: "We understood each other perfectly, I think. And we never talked about tennis. Ever."
"I was more concerned with her wellbeing, and I thought maybe its time I better look after my little sister."
The pair joined each other on court following Barty's 2022 home Slam triumph - just months ahead of her retirement from the sport.
Goolagong Cawley is depicted - in Barbie form - in the dress she wore while presenting Barty with the trophy, while the more recently retired of the two is in a replica of her attire worn during her 2021 Wimbledon win.
At the event, Barty became the third Australian woman, and second Indigenous player behind Goolagong Cawley, to claim the English Slam.
"I think my first reaction was almost disbelief. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that I would be a Barbie myself. I think it's just such an incredible experience to be a part of," Barty said.
"We know how worldwide the impact of Barbie has been over a number of years."
Goolagong Cawley also "can't believe it's happened", saying it came "out of the blue".
Mattel senior vice president of Barbie and global head of dolls Krista Berger said "one of the greatest tools that a girl can have is the support and encouragement of her peers".
"As we approach International Women's Day, Barbie is proud to honour legendary female friendship duos across different backgrounds, professions, and parts of the world.
"We know firsthand that friendships formed at a young age can help fuel social and professional growth, setting girls up for limitless possibilities."
Barty and Goolagong Cawley are one of four duos honoured this year.
They join US Olympic gold medalist gymnasts Jordan Chiles and Jade Carey, British actors Hannah Waddingham and Juno Temple, and Brazilian body positive advocates Paola Antonini and Kelen Ferreira.
In 2024, PNG-Australia football star Mary Fowler was honoured as a "'roll model doll" among other inspiring athletes.
Goolagong Cawley said role models are "very important".
"I run an Indigenous national program for Indigenous kids, and a lot of girls. And I tell them about my story of what it took to get through and eventually win at Wimbledon.
"It's important for them to hear our stories of how we got there and how rough the road can be. So really we're trying - both of us are trying, to create a natural pathway for kids to find their dreams and to achieve their dreams."
