The Australian Tennis Foundation proudly hosted the inaugural Night of Champions, a heartfelt celebration honouring tennis legend Evonne Goolagong Cawley AC MBE for her remarkable career and enduring contribution to Australian sport and community.
Held on Saturday evening at Melbourne’s Plaza Ballroom, the event welcomed 300 guests who paid tribute to Evonne’s trailblazing journey and witnessed the official launch of the Evonne Goolagong Cawley Scholarship.
The landmark initiative, developed in partnership with the Australian Tennis Foundation, aims to empower the next generation of First Nations tennis players.
More than $100,000 was raised on the night to support the scholarship program, which will provide First Nations youth with access to tennis pathways, education and life changing opportunities.
“I can’t believe how many people have come tonight, it’s absolutely beautiful,” Evonne Goolagong Cawley said.
“Tonight is going to benefit a lot of Indigenous kids, not just as tennis players, but helping them through school, to become role models and leaders which is amazing. I am glad to be able to help other Indigenous kids find their dream.”
In a deeply moving evening, Evonne shared her journey in a Q&A with Casey Dellacqua.
The night also featured a live performance from The Voice’s Cassie McIvor, alongside a decadent menu of food, wine and entertainment.
Hosted by Casey Dellacqua and Lachlan Wills, the event welcomed notable guests including Australian Tennis Foundation ambassador John Fitzgerald, Sport Australia Hall of Fame Chairman John Bertrand, and former champion hurdler Kyle Vander Kuyp.
“Evonne has a presence and a natural beauty that we all love,” Fitzgerald said.
“She remains so humble and beautiful to be around. As a person of the tennis world she has already gone down in history for what she has achieved, but she is a special person on top of that.”
A special guest on the night was actress Lila McGuire, who will portray Evonne Goolagong Cawley in the upcoming three-part ABC mini-series Goolagong, set to be filmed across Melbourne and regional Victoria in coming months. It was the first time the pair met, as the young actress prepares to take on the role of a lifetime.
Australian Tennis Foundation Executive Director, Vicki Reid, said the night was a fitting tribute to an icon whose impact stretches far beyond the court.
“The Night of Champions is all about providing the opportunities for the next generation to follow their dreams just in the way Evonne has achieved,” Reid said.
“Evonne is a legend in so many people’s eyes, not just on the tennis court but all the work she has done off the court is phenomenal.”
“We want to celebrate what she has achieved, honour what she has done and raise money for this new incredible Scholarship initiative.”
About the Australian Tennis Foundation
The Australian Tennis Foundation (ATF) is dedicated to inspiring brighter futures for disadvantaged children and young people through tennis.
As the official charity of Tennis Australia and the Australian Open, we use tennis as a vehicle to reduce social disadvantage and increase social cohesion.
Since 2021, the ATF has provided 125,000 hours of joy to over 30,000 kids and families facing adversity.
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