Australian legend Evonne Goolagong Cawley will receive the International Tennis Federation’s most prestigious honour in recognition of her services to tennis.
The Philippe Chatrier award was created in 1996. It is named in honour of the former French player and his services to the sport. Chatrier, who passed away in 2000, spent most of his life dedicated to the sport. After ending his career as a player, he worked as a tennis journalist before taking on administrative roles. Becoming the head of the ITF between 1977-1991. The award is presented to players who has given ‘long and outstanding service to the game.’
“The ITF is delighted to recognise Evonne Goolagong Cawley’s exceptional achievements as a player and the lasting legacy she has left for so many people in the years since,” said ITF president David Haggerty.
Goolagong played in 18 grand slam singles finals during her career, winning titles in seven of them. In total she won 84 singles trophies and 50 in the doubles on the tour between 1968-1980. She is also one of the few female players that have managed to win grand slam titles before and after giving birth.
In recent years, the 66-year-old has worked alongside Tennis Australia to help increase female participation in the sport. Goolagong has also been praised for her work with Indigenous Australians. She comes from an Aboriginal family and grew up during a period where aboriginals were treated as second-class citizens. Growing up, she was also subjected to racist comments.
Over the past 12 years the seven-time grand slam champion has been running Goolagong National Development Camp, which uses tennis to promote better health, education and employment for young Indigenous people.
“Not only is she a legendary seven-time Grand Slam singles winner but she is also a champion of diversity, who has worked tirelessly in her home country to improve the lives of many through the sport we all love.” Said Haggerty.
Goolagong will be presented with the award at the 2018 ITF World Champions Dinner on Tuesday 5 June in Paris. Other previous recipients include Billie Jean King, John McEnroe and Martina Navratilova.
