World No.1 Ashleigh Barty will pay tribute to countrywoman Evonne Goolagong Cawley at next week's Wimbledon, as the Australian will don an outfit that honors the seven-time Grand Slam champion.
Designed by Fila, the outfit is part of their Trailblazer collection and it will pay homage to Goolagong Cawley, who is a former Fila brand ambassador. The specially-designed Trailblazer collection commemorates the 50th anniversary of Goolagong Cawley’s incredible triumph in London in 1971; when she won the Wimbledon singles title.
Barty, the second Australian woman to hold the World No.1 ranking after mentor and friend Goolagong Cawley; will wear the Trailblazer collection to showcase the profound impact that her compatriot has left on the sport and in Indigenous communities across Australia.
“It's hard to put into words how much of an impact Evonne has had on the culture of tennis in Australia and on me personally, I don’t think there is anyone more iconic in our sport," Barty said. "I am very proud to wear this commemorative collection from Fila in celebration not only of her momentous victories on the court, but also her incredible legacy off of it.”
When informed of the tribute, Goolagong Cawley seemed touched and at a loss for words by the gesture.
"Wow, it just blows my mind," said the Hall of Famer. "What a wonderful thing to do, what a wonderful honor. It's truly fantastic."
The collection takes a traditional play on crisp, clean whites and fuses it with details inspired by an on-court look Goolagong Cawley wore back in the day. Pieces include the Racerback Tank featuring a stretch interlock fabric and laser-cut flowers at the back; a traditional 13.5” skirt with laser cut scalloped hem and laser-cut flowers at the front and side; and a pant and track jacket combo perfect for the pre-match warm up.
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