Evonne Goolagong Cawley to publish memoir this Christmas
Updated: Aug 5
Learn more about the new memoir by Evonne Goolagong Cawley, Only Ever Evonne.
Allen & Unwin are proud to be publishing Australian tennis legend Evonne Goolagong Cawley's memoir Only Ever Evonne this October.
In the memoir, Goolagong Cawley shares memories of her childhood in Barellan, where she grew up with her parents and 7 siblings.
"She gives thoughtful reflections about her experiences as an Aboriginal woman in a white-dominated sport, her struggles with a domineering coach, and her epic love story with husband Roger," said A&U. "And she shares her hopes for the future of the country and First Nations peoples."
Olympian Cathy Freeman said of the book: "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."
Evonne Goolagong Cawley started hitting tennis balls against a brick wall with a homemade racquet as a young girl. 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.
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 2018 she was made a Companion of the Order of Australia.
Today, Goolagong Cawley leads the Goolagong National Development Camp for Indigenous boys and girls, which encourages Indigenous youth to stay in school.
Of the memoir, she said: "This is the full story of my life: the tennis and everything. I really hope you enjoy reading it as much as I have enjoyed writing it. Fame is a curious thing, but without it, who would listen to me now!"
Fellow tennis legend Ash Barty said of Evonne: "The most elegant player to have ever graced a tennis court, Evonne brought her career to life with dedication, talent, love and fierce commitment. She has inspired millions to be proud of who they are, appreciate where they come from, and most importantly, to dream big."
Only Ever Evonne will be available in all bookstores from 29 September.
Only Ever Evonne: The whole story
by Evonne Goolagong Cawley
The astonishing life of Evonne Goolagong Cawley, one of Australia's most decorated tennis players.
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