The parallels, and the grin on Ash Barty’s face, had been there for all to see.
Almost 11 months since Evonne Goolagong Cawley stunned Barty by presenting her with the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup for her Australian Open triumph, the 26-year-old saluted her mentor on one other stage.
At Monday evening’s Australian Tennis Awards, Barty claimed the Newcombe Medal, its highest particular person honour, for a document fifth consecutive time.
But it was presenting her mentor with the Spirit of Tennis award that actually made Barty gentle up.
The Australian tennis nice was recognised for her work with the Evonne Goolagong Foundation, which works to enhance well being and academic outcomes for younger Indigenous individuals, utilizing tennis as a car.
Barty had advance discover of the award however had good motive to maintain it quiet.
“I was privileged and honoured and humbled to be asked to present it,” Barty advised reporters.
“But it was a genuine surprise for her, so it was great.
“I knew how excited individuals can be for Evonne, as a result of not usually does she get recognised sufficient for the quantity of labor that she does.
“I know that we all appreciate it but sometimes it’s nice just to get that little bit more of an appreciation from the greater public and knowing that she’s had such a positive impact.”
Goolagong Cawley, a Wiradjuri lady, was amongst those that provided Barty help throughout her well-publicised break from tennis after the 2014 US Open.
Ngarigo lady Barty later paid a poignant tribute to the tennis legend through the gown she wore all through her triumphant 2021 Wimbledon marketing campaign.
Barty delighted within the recognition of Goolagong Cawley’s off-court impression; a feat she hopes to emulate.
“She is an amazing human being,” Barty stated.
“Her impact arguably off the court has been greater than on the court, which when you look at her accolades and in her career is near impossible to do and she has managed to do it.
“The means that she’s impacted the sport in a constructive means is definitely one thing that I’d like to emulate now that I’m completed up and have that chance to provide again to the game once more.”
For her part, Goolagong Cawley had no doubt her “actually great good friend” Barty’s next chapter, following her shock retirement in March, would be something special.
“She wasn’t only a nice tennis participant, however an excellent particular person on and off the courtroom and I like her eternally,” she stated.
“I simply needed to say how proud I’m to be right here tonight.
“Getting this award was a real surprise, I must admit, and from someone who I just absolutely adore, as a person and a player – ex-player, I should say.
“Who is aware of what shall be subsequent – she’s such an adventurer.”
