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Goolagong: Champion, Survivor, Legend
20 Jun
Summary
- Evonne Goolagong overcame financial abuse and harassment.
- She was the first Aboriginal player to compete at Wimbledon.
- The series explores race, gender, and pay equity in the 70s.
The ABC drama 'Goolagong' offers a look at the life of tennis icon Evonne Goolagong, celebrated as the first Aboriginal player to compete at Wimbledon. The series, while sometimes saccharine, highlights her two singles titles and other grand slam victories.
It addresses darker aspects of her career, including alleged financial abuse and sexual harassment by her coach, Vic Edwards. This period saw Edwards move Goolagong from her rural home to Sydney at age 14.
The series also thoughtfully incorporates the significant social conversations of the 1970s concerning race, gender, and pay equity. Lila McGuire and Eloise Hart portray Goolagong at different life stages with conviction.
Despite tonal shifts, the drama features strong performances, including Luke Carroll and Chenoa Deemal as Goolagong's parents. It touches on her romance with Roger Cawley, who became her husband.
While the story of Evonne Goolagong's career and personal life is compelling, the series ultimately feels uneven, with some dramatic crescendos appearing forced.
A slideshow of the real Evonne Goolagong concludes the series, underscoring her impactful legacy through her tennis charity supporting Indigenous children.
