The three-part mini-series Goolagong screens on the ABC on Sundays at 8.20pm and is available to stream on iView. Here's what you need to know.
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What's it about?
Goolagong tells the inspiring story of world champion tennis player Evonne Goolagong Cawley, one of Australia's most revered sporting heroes. According to the ABC, the story "will take us from the tiny NSW regional town of Barellan, where an eager eight-year-old Aboriginal kid first peered through the cyclone wire fence of a tennis court, to the centre courts of the world.
"From her Wimbledon debut in 1970, to becoming the first mother to win Wimbledon in the modern era in 1980, Evonne's story is one of family, love, loss, and an unwavering spirit. In the time of burgeoning black rights and women's lib, Evonne proved to herself, her people, and the world that she was a true champion.
"Along the way, the obstacles will be immense. While the on-court success unites a nation, a deeply disturbing dynamic is playing out behind the scenes".
Who is Evonne Goolagong Cawley?
The Wiradjuri woman won seven grand slam singles titles - the Australian Open (four times), Wimbledon (twice, including once as a mother in 1980) and the French Open - and seven doubles titles. In 1976 she was the world's No. 1 female player. She retired from professional tennis in 1985.
Who's in the cast?
West Australian Lila McGuire, a Whadjuk and Wardandi Noongar woman, plays Goolagong, as she was known until her marriage in 1975 to British tennis player Roger Cawley. She is a graduate of Perth's Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts.
Eloise Hart plays Evonne as a child. As the only Indigenous family in town, the young Evonne discovers tennis by chance and hones her skills with a homemade paddle.
Luke Carroll plays her father, Kenny, who encouraged his daughter to develop her talent and follow her dream.
Marton Csokas is coach Vic Edwards, who discovered Goolagong as a 12-year-old prodigy, became her mentor and guardian and, Goolagong Cawley would later allege, emotionally and sexually harassed her.
Felix Mallard plays Roger Cawley.
Who made Goolagong?
Made by Werner Film Productions (The Newsreader, Secret City), Goolagong is directed by Wayne Blair (Mystery Road, Total Control, The Sapphires). The screenplay was co-written by Steven McGregor (Mystery Road: Origin, Sweet Country) and Megan Simpson Huberman.
Goolagong Cawley is an associate producer along with her husband. Joanna Werner is the producer and Danielle MacLean (Redfern Now) is co-producer.
Where was it filmed?
Featured locations around Melbourne included the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club - former home of the Australian Open - and Royal South Yarra Lawn Tennis Club. Some filming was also done in regional Victoria and a replica of Wimbledon was created on a vacant lot in Highett in Melbourne's southern suburbs.
Where can I watch it?
Goolagong screens on the ABC on Sundays at 8.20pm from January 4. All episodes will be available to stream on ABC iView.
