Ashleigh Barty Pays Emotional Tribute to Australian Tennis Legend Over a Huge Honour

It’s been 50 years since Evonne Goolagong Cawley’s first Australian Open victory! This year’s first Grand Slam tournament of the year is far more special and different from the previous ones. On one hand, this will be the first time Zheng will play her first-ever Grand Slam final, and on the other hand, it also has a lot of history attached to it.

The 2024 Australian Open has honored the 72-year-old Australian tennis star for completing her half-century of winning her first Australian Open title, which came in 1974. While this is a special moment for the seven-time Grand Slam champion herself, a dear friend of hers, Ash Barty, shared a special message for her.

Ash Barty’s special message for Evonne Goolagong Cawley’s up

As the Australian tennis legend completes 50 years of her first Australian Open title, everyone in the tennis world is celebrating the moment of joy with love and remembering her contribution to the sport. In the same way, a 27-year-old Australian tennis player shared a special message for her over her Instagram.

She wrote, “A friend, mentor, icon and absolute legend. What an incredible person you are, Evonne. A special year celebrating the 50th anniversary of your first AO win, but an even greater appreciation and acknowledgment of your entire career with the renaming of a very special day – Evonne Goolagong Cawley Day. I cherish our relationship every single day. And I will always be your biggest fan.” 

Along with that, the 27-year-old former tennis player also shared a series of pictures with her, sharing her moments of joy with the Australian tennis legend. Not only that, she also renamed the day to present a special memory to the seven-time Grand Slam champion.

Read more: Ashleigh Barty’s Journey: From Junior Wimbledon Champion to Cricket and Then Back to Tennis

Not only that, the 72-year-old Australian tennis star attended the semi-final clash between Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka. Moreover, even the Belarusian tennis player opened up about her thoughts of having Billie Jean King and Cawley honor her game with their presence.

Sabalenka grateful for the ‘privilege’ of having the WTA legend’s present 

During the post-match on-court, after her semi-final victory, the world number two-ranked tennis player talked about having the two WTA legends who worked hard during and after their careers ensure their successors don’t go through any problems. She said, “I couldn’t dream playing in front of you guys. Thank you so much for everything you’ve done for our sport. It’s a privilege. Thank you so much.” 

While she shared her gratitude towards both of them, she also got quite emotional as she won the semifinal bout in front of these two WTA legends. Not only that but even the 72-year-old Australian was honored at Rod Laver to celebrate the 50th anniversary of her victory and honored her regarding the same.

Nevertheless, what are your thoughts on Evonne Goolagong Cawley’s contribution to tennis? Do let us know in the comment section below.

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