Evonne Goolagong Cawley has helped crown the 2025 Nationwide Indigenous Tennis Carnival award winners in Darwin.
Darwin, NT, 11 August 2025 | Camille Russo
Australian tennis legend Evonne Goolagong Cawley has topped the 2025 Nationwide Indigenous Tennis Carnival champions in Darwin.
Greater than 160 younger First Nations gamers from throughout the nation took centre courtroom in every week of tradition, connection and competitors.
“This occasion is likely one of the most unusual applications that I’ve ever been in. It’s not nearly tennis – it’s about schooling, assembly up with pals and making new pals,” Goolagong Cawley stated. “I keep in mind final time I used to be right here plenty of the youngsters had been very shy, very scared … simply the identical as I used to be after I first began enjoying.
“However by the tip of it, all people’s becoming a member of in like sisters and brothers and studying rather a lot about tradition.
“The mix of tennis with tradition can solely make them stronger. I do know that tennis made me extra optimistic, extra assured in myself, however then after I realized about tradition too … it made me even stronger. The mix is simply unreal.”
READ: Tennis and tradition unite at Nationwide Indigenous Tennis Carnival
Goolagong Cawley personally awarded 17-year-old Isaac Elson from New South Wales the Evonne Goolagong Cawley Medal of Excellence, praising his well-deserved recognition for management, sportsmanship, and optimistic perspective displayed on and off the courtroom.
“Successful that award is one thing particular – I don’t have phrases to say. It’s simply an superior feeling,” Elson stated. “I’ve labored very exhausting, and I’m actually appreciative of Evonne and Roger (Cawley) and everybody who has helped me alongside this path and has guided me to the optimistic facet of every little thing.”
Contributors had been handled to a shock efficiency from acclaimed First Nations rapper, Barkaa, whereas Indigenous Outreach Tasks had gamers showcasing their strikes of their music and dance workshops.
“It’s been so heartwarming to see the individuals absolutely embrace every little thing the occasion needed to provide, each on and off the courtroom,” Tennis NT CEO Tania Tandora stated. “Having Evonne be a part of us as soon as once more this yr was extraordinarily particular, and seeing the enjoyment on the youngsters’ faces as they related along with her is one thing we’ll all the time treasure.
“The extent of tennis all through the carnival has been implausible, and it’s been simply as rewarding to observe everybody interact with the cultural actions and are available collectively for the superb live performance with Barkaa.
“We hope this expertise stays with them for years to return and is one thing they’ll look again on with delight and happiness.”
The 18/u boys’ championship remaining noticed Quincy Kahn (NSW) defeat Isaac Elson (NSW) 1-6 6-4 [10-4], and Lola Grigor (Vic) defeat Laylah Shawcross (Qld) 6-1 6-1 within the ladies’ remaining. Within the 14/u ladies’ competitors, Hazel Wright (NSW) prevailed over Namallarri Mckenzie (SA) 6-2 6-0, and Will Brooks-Homosexual (Vic) overcame Oakley Baylis (NSW) 6-1 6-2 within the boys’ remaining.
Queensland claimed the Ash Barty Cup – awarded to the best-performing workforce within the Sizzling Photographs, Future Stars and Showdown occasions – whereas New South Wales and Victoria rounded out the rostrum.
Eight individuals – one from every state and territory – had been additionally introduced as winners of the Lethal Awards, nominated by workforce supervisors for his or her sportsmanship, management and optimistic spirit. These recipients will take pleasure in a money-can’t-buy expertise at a Summer season of Tennis occasion in 2026.
Nationwide Indigenous Tennis Carnival 2025 outcomes
18/u singles championships:
Ladies: [2] Lola Grigor (Vic) d Laylah Shawcross (Qld) 6-1 6-1
Boys: [1] Quincy Khan (NSW) d [2] Isaac Elson (NSW) 1-6 6-4 [10-4]
14/u singles championships:
Ladies: [1] Hazel Wright (NSW) d [2] Namallarri Mckenzie (SA) 6-2 6-0
Boys: [1] Will Brooks-Homosexual (Vic) d Oakley Baylis (NSW) 6-1 6-2
Lethal Award winners:
- Jayde Mitchell (ACT)
- Hazel Wright (NSW)
- Luca Toby (Qld)
- Jamain Agius (SA)
- Tori Direen (Tas)
- Brock Mitchell (Vic)
- Jackson Phillips (WA)
- Jacob Groves (NT)
Roger Cawley Supervisors Award – recognises workforce managers who supervise, assist and coach the youngsters:
- Sara Mohammed (WA)
- Djamika Ganambarr (NT)
Evonne Goolagong Cawley Medal of Excellence: Isaac Elson (NSW)
Ash Barty Cup: Queensland
Sizzling Photographs Tennis champions: East Arnhem (NT)
Futures Stars champions: New South Wales
Discover your method to play: Go to to hit the courtroom and have some enjoyable!
