Wiradjuri legend Evonne Goolagong Cawley has encouraged the next generation of tennis hopefuls to dream big, as she reflected on the 50th anniversary of her first Australian Open title.
Appearing at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena to celebrate her 1974 triumph, which was followed by victories in 1975 and 1976, Goolagong Cawley said she still lives by the mantra 'dream, believe, learn, achieve'.
"It was the dream that got me through the obstacles in my life," she said on Wednesday.
"When I left my home town Barellan and went to Sydney, I cried every night I was so homesick. But I kept thinking about my dream."
Revealing that she read about a "magical place called Wimbledon", the tennis great said she didn't at first realise it actually existed, until someone told her.
"I used to pretend I was on the magical centre court at Wimbledon, and every night I dreamt about playing [there] and winning. So that dream kept me going through my whole career."
Now she's passing that dream on to others through the work of her foundation, which supports Indigenous kids to engage in sport and education.
"I'm very proud of all of them, because all of these kids go through year 12 and on to do whatever they want to.
"They can create their own dreams."
Appearing with children from her foundation and the competition's Indigenous ball kids, Goolagong Cawley also officially opened the second annual First Nations Day.
A celebration of Blak acheivements in tennis, the day will also see a smoking ceremony and a Welcome to Country performed by Aunty Joy Wandin, as well as dancing and other cultural events.
"I've always grew up saying you must respect your Elders, and I have, and I teach all these kids to as well.
"Culture, to me, keeps me strong. I've been through women's business with the Pitjantjatjara women ... the more you learn about culture, the stronger you become."
Following news on Monday, the elder legend's foundation has been joined by another dedicated organisation for encouraging tennis hopefuls.
Ash Barty announced the launch of her own foundation, which aims to inspire communities and young people.
The 27-year-old said the new career move had been a long time in the making.
“I’m so excited. I’ve been waiting for this day to come, to finally launch my foundation with my team,” she said.
“Our purpose is to provide opportunity to young boys and girls through sport and education — two of my biggest passion pieces. Now, being able to bring it all together is really exciting.”
