Australia has long been home to tennis champions who inspire, not only through their skill, but through their grace, determination, and ability to unite people.
Evonne Goolagong Cawley, a proud Wiradjuri woman, was a trailblazer as the first Indigenous Australian to win a singles Grand Slam and the first mother to claim a major title in the modern era. Similarly, Ash Barty, a Ngarigo woman and three-time Grand Slam singles champion and former World Number 1, is celebrated for her work as Tennis Australia’s National Indigenous Tennis Ambassador, inspiring Indigenous youth to take up the sport.
These legends are shining examples of what Australian tennis can achieve.
Now, thanks to a transformative initiative by the Albanese Government, the search is on for the next champion who can carry forward their legacy.
Tennis Australia has been awarded $992,000 under the federal government’s $200 million Play Our Way program. This funding will support women and girls; particularly those from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities, to access the health, mental health, and social benefits of tennis. With plans to reach up to 60 clubs nationwide, the program aims to break down barriers and ensure that no potential talent is left behind.
Equality, inclusion, and diversity—both on and off the court—are at the heart of everything we do,” said Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley. “This additional funding will support our ongoing work with women and girls in tennis—now with a focus on culturally diverse communities. It will help break down barriers, create lasting opportunities, and inspire the next generation of players from all backgrounds to reach their full potential in tennis and beyond.”
The Play Our Way program will specifically target CALD women and girls, aiming to engage 1,800 participants by July 2025 through 60 participating clubs.
Minister for Sport Anika Wells highlighted the broader vision of this initiative: “Playing tennis and other sport has great benefits for our health and mental health as individuals, and also brings people and communities together, “she said.” This program will make it safer and easier for women and girls from all backgrounds to get active with tennis.”
Evonne Goolagong Cawley and Ash Barty embody the magic that can happen when raw talent is nurtured in supportive communities. Evonne rose from Barellan with a homemade paddle to become a global tennis icon, while Ash captivated the world with her humility and sportsmanship. They’ve shown that champions can come from anywhere and that Australian tennis is at its best when it celebrates diversity and inclusion.
By addressing barriers to participation, this initiative paves the way for more women and girls to step onto the court, chase their dreams, and maybe even inspire a nation. The future of Australian tennis is bright—and somewhere out there, the next Ash Barty or Evonne Goolagong Cawley is waiting for their chance to shine.
