New and returning champions crowned at the 2023 National Indigenous Tennis Carnival

Joseph Guenzler Published August 15, 2023 at 2.00pm (AWST)

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The New South Wales team took home the Ash Barty Cup as the aggregate best performing on-court team. (Image: Tennis Australia)

Last week, more than 160 young tennis talents representing various Indigenous communities gathered at Darwin International Tennis Centre on Larrakia Country, to participate in the fourth iteration of the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival (NITC).

The inaugural National Indigenous Tennis Carnival was launched in 2018 in Darwin to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture by bringing together Indigenous players from around Australia.

The event was created as a both a participation and performance pathway opportunity for Indigenous tennis players.

The culminating matches of the NITC resulted in Cairns' Giselle Kawane and Coffs Harbour's Charlie Pade emerging victorious in the 18-and-under girls and boys categories respectively.

Kawane said playing in and winning the 18-and-under girls title was a memorable experience.

"Playing in the finals of the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival was great. I had a wonderful match and crowd," Kawane said.

*A delighted Giselle Kawane with Evonne Goolagong Cawley after winning the 18-and-under girls' singles final. (Image: Tennis Australia)*

"It's so lovely to play on centre court and have everyone watch, especially as we are all Indigenous too, it feels more like a community and feels special. It's so nice to see everyone here and play good tennis."

Whilst the 18-and-under boys winner, Charlie Pade, described the experience as "pretty awesome".

"It's been a great week down here, a lot of tough matches and I'm really happy to get the win," Pade said.

"My goals in tennis are to just keep playing, keep enjoying it, and see where it takes me … I want to get as far as I can, so will just keep training and playing hard.

"I love coming to events like this, to experience culture, it definitely keeps you more grounded, and knowing where you come from is such an important part of your life."

The esteemed trophies were bestowed upon the winners by the renowned 14-time Grand Slam victor, Evonne Goolagong Cawley.

*Lewis Murray was presented with the 14-and-under mixed championship trophy by Wirudjuri tennis legend Evonne Goolagong Cawley. (Image: Tennis Australia)*

Ms Goolagong Cawley, a former world number one who dominated women's international tennis in the 1970s and '80s said she looks forward to the annual showcase of Australia's next generation of Indigenous tennis stars.

"I'm always so excited to come to the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival. I had such a great time connecting with all of the kids and people who have been a part of the Evonne Goolagong Foundation," Ms Goolagong Cawley said.

"It's also special to present the awards at the end, because after the four days we become like family, and by being part of this event we not only play and connect through tennis, but we also learn about culture, and that makes us all stronger."

Lewis Murray, who hails from Castlemaine in Victoria, secured victory in the 14-and-under mixed competition.

It was the 14-year-old's second consecutive NITC Title.

Murray said he aspired to one day win a Grand Slam Title.

In a special award presentation, Goolagong Cawley presented South Australian Jayden Kemp with the Evonne Goolagong Cawley Medal of Excellence for his outstanding leadership, connection, and behaviour on-and-off court. (Image: Tennis Australia)

"It's pretty cool to win two National Indigenous Tennis Carnival titles in a row, it feels great, but obviously an unfortunate end to the match," he said after his opponent was forced to retire eight games into the championships match.

"I feel for Ryan, but he had a great tournament, so I congratulate him on reaching the final.

"My goal in tennis is to make it to the highest level of tennis, maybe become a Grand Slam champion one day."

The National Indigenous Tennis Carnival is a core part of Tennis Australia's First Nations tennis pathway, which aims to provide more opportunities at all levels.

"The National Indigenous Tennis Carnival is a major part of our diversity strategy," Tennis Australia First Nations Lead Kyah Jones said.

*The carnival incorporated a cultural workshop with Uncle Kim Mulholland. (Image: Tennis.com.au)*

"We recently launched the second phase of our Reconciliation Action Plan and we're really looking to be more inclusive and create more opportunities for Indigenous tennis.

"Prior to this week, we had 11 events leading into the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival all over Australia, including in remote communities, helping connect the event more broadly across the country, and provide more participation opportunities."

This four-day annual event centred its activities on culture, community, tennis, and overall wellbeing.

Commencing with a Welcome to Country conducted by Lynette Fejo, a Larrakia Traditional Owner, on the competition's first day, the Carnival also showcased a range of cultural experiences, such as weaving, art, laughter yoga, and spear throwing, all facilitated by Indigenous people.

The NITC also held Australian Open ballkid trials, affording a unique opportunity for 16 young talents from the Carnival to be chosen to join the esteemed Australian Open Ballkid squad.

This initiative establishes a vital connection between grassroots participation and the first Grand Slam of the year, held in Melbourne.

National Indigenous Tennis Carnival 2023 final results:

18-and-under championships

Girls: [1] Giselle Kawane (Qld) def. [2] Sophie Foster (NSW) 6-1 6-1

Boys: [1] Charlie Pade (NSW) def. [2] Quincy Kahn (NSW) 6-0 6-1

14-and-under championships

Mixed: [1] Lewis Murray (Vic) def. [2] Ryan Bolger (Qld) 5-3 Ret.

Evonne Goolagong Cawley Medal of Excellence (leadership):

Jayden Kemp (SA)

Ash Barty Cup (aggregate best performing on-court team)

New South Wales

Deadly Award winners (peer voted)