The career and ongoing legacy of sporting icon Evonne Goolagong Cawley will be celebrated at the Australian Tennis Foundation's inaugural Night of Champions in Naarm next month.
On June 28, Goolagong Cawley's impact on the sport will be recognised in what is hoped to be the first of annual events recognising national heroes in the sport.
Goolagong Calwey won seven Grand Slam singles titles across her career, including four Australian Opens, with her first aged 19 at the French Open.
Inducted into the International Tennis Hall Of Fame in 1988 and Australian Tennis Hall of Fame in 1994, since her playing days Goolagong's foundation and National Development Camp has worked to empower the next generation of Indigenous children and stars of tennis.
The Night of Champions will see the official launch of the Evonne Goolagong Cawley Scholarship, developed in partnership with the Australian Tennis Foundation.
The initiative is centred on developing future Indigenous tennis players via pathways, education and broader opportunities.
Proceeds from June's event will go towards the scholarship.
"I've always believed that with support and opportunity, every young person can achieve something extraordinary. This scholarship is about opening doors —helping young First Nations players to dream big and chase those dreams," Goolagong Cawley said.
"It's incredible to see how tennis can have such a positive impact on communities. The celebration of culture, improving the health and wellbeing of everyone involved and promoting education are all so important to me.
"It means so much to be honoured in this way. But more than anything, I'm excited to give back to the game that gave me so much — and to help lift up the next generation."
The scholarship is a new initiative separate to existing scholarships in Goolagong Cawley's name.
In January, the annual First Nations Day at the Australian Open was officially renamed Evonne Goolagong Cawley Day.
The announcement was made in 2024, marking the 50th anniversary of her first singles title win in Naarm.
"Evonne is a true legend of our game and an Australian icon. Her story is one of resilience, humility and grace— the dedication she's shown over so many years to helping others continues to be an inspiration to us all. We look forward to building on Evonne's legacy and continuing her extraordinary work," Australian Tennis Foundation executive director Vicki Reid said of the Night of Champions.
"The Evonne Goolagong Cawley Scholarship will create meaningful change by supporting First Nations youth to reach their potential both on and off the court."
