'She didn't see me': Evonne Goolagong Cawley lifts lid on the secret trophy plan that stunned Ash Barty
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Australian tennis icon Evonne Goolagong Cawley has detailed the "magical moment" when she surprised Ash Barty at Rod Laver Arena after she claimed the women's singles title at the Australian Open in 2022.
After Barty defeated American Danielle Collins in straight sets, Goolagong Cawley was brought out as a surprise guest to present the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup.
The seven-time singles grand slam champion had been expected to miss the final with illness, prompting a shocked reaction from Barty.
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Evonne Goolagong Cawley and Ash Barty after the women's singles at the 2022 Australian Open. Getty
Speaking on Nine's Today to mark the inaugural Evonne Goolagong Cawley Day at Melbourne Park, Goolagong Cawley revealed she was just as surprised to be asked to deliver the trophy as Barty was when she walked onto the court for the presentation.
"(Tennis Australia CEO) Craig Tiley called me the day before the final," she said of the ploy.
"I was just getting over pneumonia but I said, 'I'm OK, so I can come'. So, he got a plane and flew my husband, my son and I.
"[We were] able to watch in another little room (courtside) so that she (Barty) didn't see me and then I was snuck on the court later on."
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Goolagong Cawley has served as an inspiration and mentor to Barty since the pair were introduced at Barty's first appearance at the Australian Open as a junior in 2011.
Reflecting on their special bond, Goolagong Cawley said their relationship was befitting a sister.
"That was a magical moment, not just for me but for her," she said.
"She just played so well.
"All these years, I watched [Roger] Federer play and I always thought, 'Wouldn't it be great if we had another player like Federer on the women's side'. And along came Ash.
"She has shown me all the skills of a champion, even when she was just 15 and I saw her first.
"She's just lovely, she's like my little sister basically."
Last month, Barty announced she is expecting her second child with her husband Garry Kissick.
"It's just fantastic," Goolagong Cawley said of the announcement.
Evonne Goolagong Cawley attends the 2025 Australian Open. Graham Denholm via Getty Images
Evonne Goolagong Cawley Day spotlights Australian First Nations culture at the Australian Open.
The day is celebrated through a packed program of First Nations music, dance, art and food at the precinct.
Formally referred to as First Nations Day, the day was renamed on the calendar to honour Goolagong Cawley, a proud member of the Wiradjuri people, and her work promoting Indigenous health, education and wellbeing.
