Winners were crowned and those who best encapsulated the spirit of the sport recognised at the sixth annual National Indigenous Tennis Carnival on Larrakia Country at the weekend.

More than 160 young players from across the country took part in the four-day carnival in Darwin, some leaving it all out on the court in the high-performance competition while others got a new experience of the game alongside elite company.

At the start of the carnival, tennis icon and 14-time Grand Slam Champion Evonne Goolagong Cawley said the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival (NITC) is one of the most unique programs she's been involved in, elevating education, culture and building connections alongside the game.

"Tennis made me more positive, more confident in myself. But then I learned about culture too, It made me even stronger. So the combination is just so unreal," Goolagong Cawley said.

In the 18-and-unders singles championships, Victoria's Lola Grigor won the girls final over Queensland's Laylah Shawcross.

"I'm very grateful to be able to represent Victoria for a fourth year now, and even better to represent my community, my mob, my family," Grigor said.

Quincy Khan claimed the boys championships in the age bracket after going to a tiebreaker with Isaac Elson in an all NSW final.

Khan said he'll miss the NITC after ageing out of the tournament. Elson, alongside playing into the final, was awarded the Evonne Goolagong Cawley Medal of Excellence recognising his leadership, sportsmanship and attitude at the carnival.

Elson was personally presented the honour by Goolagong-Cawley.

"Winning that award is something special – I don't have words to say. It's just an awesome feeling," Elson said.

"I've worked very hard, and I'm really appreciative of Evonne and Roger and everyone who has helped me along this path and has guided me to the positive side of everything."

In the 14-and-unders, 11-year-old Hazel Wright claimed the girls final against Namallarri Mckenzie. Will Brooks-Gay got the win over Oakley Baylis in the boys.

Wright said she one day hopes to get to no.1 in the world, "like Evonne and Ash (Barty)".

Brooks-Gay has also been inspired by the carnival to continue his career and climb up the ranks in the sport.

"It is my favourite event on the calendar," Tennis Australia First Nations lead Kyah Jones said of the NITC.

"So many connections made, and now they're now calling each other family.

"Everything's a highlight for me. It's just so much fun, the whole whole carnival."

In addition to the tennis, culture-led off-court events took place across the four days.

At the weekend, Barkindji rapper BARKAA joined the tournament with a surprise performance while Indigenous Outreach Projects added dancing and music workshops.

In addition to high-performance matchplay, the NITC also engages a non-competitive development stream.

The Northern Territory's East Arnhem team were named coaching development program Hot Shots Tennis champions, with NSW awarded Future Stars honours.

A participant from each state and territory were recognised for their teamwork and beahviour as Deadly Award winners.

Queensland took home the Ash Barty Cup, based on overall performance at the carnival.

It was umpire James Dean's first attendance at the NITC.

"For me, it represents, in my position, being able to put a face to someone in like an official position, and be able to show other Indigenous people and community that you can do this if you want to as well. And if you enjoy it, who knows where it'll take you," Dean said of his role and the carnival.

Tennis NT chief executive Tania Tandora said it was heartwarming to see all aspects of the event embraced by attendees, on and off the court.

"Having Evonne join us once again this year was extremely special, and seeing the joy on the kids' faces as they connected with her is something we'll always treasure," Tandora said.

"The level of tennis throughout the carnival has been fantastic, and it's been just as rewarding to watch everyone engage with the cultural activities and come together for the amazing concert with Barkaa.

"We hope this experience stays with them for years to come and is something they'll look back on with pride and happiness."