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Evonne Goolagong: Grace and Grit on Court
3 Jan
Summary
- Series explores Evonne Goolagong's life beyond tennis triumphs.
- Lila McGuire delivers a captivating performance as the tennis legend.
- Show highlights Goolagong's journey from Barellan to world No. 1.
The ABC's new series offers a profound look at the life of Australian tennis legend Evonne Goolagong Cawley, a former world No. 1. Across three episodes, newcomer Lila McGuire impressively embodies Goolagong, guiding viewers through her remarkable journey.
The series begins with Goolagong at Wimbledon but quickly shifts to her childhood in Barellan, New South Wales. It illustrates her family's arrival as the sole Indigenous family in the community during the late 1950s. This narrative framing highlights Goolagong's origins, contrasting them with the elitism often associated with professional tennis.
Directed by Wayne Blair, the show adopts a contemplative tone, blending past and present. It examines Goolagong's career, including her decision to play in apartheid-era South Africa, prompting reflection on sports and politics without judgment. The series emphasizes Goolagong's psychological state, using tennis as a lens to understand her, rather than merely measuring her worth.
