Only Ever Evonne
Evonne Goolagong Cawley | Hardback | May 2026
The astonishing life of Evonne Goolagong Cawley, one of Australia's most decorated tennis players.
'Only Ever Evonne is more than a sporting or tennis tale. It is a remarkable insight into her family, childhood and upbringing, as well as Indigenous culture. Evonne continues to be an inspiration, and her story is a gift to fans the world over.' CATHY FREEMAN
Evonne Goolagong Cawley started hitting tennis balls against a brick wall with a homemade racquet as a young girl. She grew up in the NSW country town of Barellan with seven siblings, but, aged only twelve, left her family and moved to Sydney, chasing a dream. She made history as the first Aboriginal woman to win Wimbledon—twice—and became the number one tennis player in the world.
Here, the beloved sportswoman shares memories of her childhood and tennis career. She reflects on her experiences as a Black woman in a white-dominated sport, her struggles with a domineering coach, her on-court battles with tennis greats, and her epic love story with husband Roger. And she reveals her hopes for the future of tennis, the country and First Nations peoples.
Only Ever Evonne is the story of her remarkable journey.
'I have known Evonne for more than 50 years and watched her develop from a young talent into a true legend of tennis. She is an extraordinary champion, a kind and generous person, and one of the greatest ambassadors our game has ever known. She has made all Australians proud.' ROD LAVER
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Author Info
Evonne Goolagong Cawley AC MBE is a Wiradjuri woman and former professional tennis player. She won her first Wimbledon singles tournament in 1971 and played for over a decade at the top level of international competition until her retirement in 1983. During that time, she was a finalist in eighteen grand slam singles events and won 92 pro tournaments, ranking as the number one women's singles player in the world in 1971 and 1976. She was also a talented doubles player, winning seven grand slam doubles titles. Her second Wimbledon win, in 1980, was as a mother, a feat not achieved since 1914.
Evonne won the Australian Open four times, and represented Australia seven times in the Federation Cup, winning three times. She was the Federation Cup Captain from 2002 to 2004.
Evonne was named Australian of the Year in 1971. She was appointed as a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1972 and as an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1982. She was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1985, the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1988, and the Aboriginal Sporting Hall of Fame in 1989. In the 2018 Australia Day Honours, Evonne was appointed as a Companion of the Order of Australia, Australia's highest honour.
In 1997, the Federal Government appointed Evonne as a consultant in Indigenous Sport. As part of her Evonne Goolagong Foundation, she developed the Goolagong State and National Development Camps to provide mentoring opportunities in tennis for Indigenous boys and girls.
Evonne has two children and three grandchildren, and lives with her husband Roger at Noosa Heads, Queensland.
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