Evonne Goolagong Cawley was on the cover of the April 26, 1976 issue of Sports Illustrated, a fitting spotlight for one of tennis’s most graceful and naturally gifted champions who was reaching the #1 ranking in the world in late April 50 years ago. Goolagong’s presence on the cover also reflected a much broader impact—not just as a star player, but as a trailblazer for Indigenous Australians in international sport.

The winner of 7 Grand Slam singles titles, Evonne also won 6 more in double… and this week on Past Our Prime, we’re honoring Goolagong by playing a little doubles ourselves with not one, but two guests to reflect back on the brilliance of Evonne.

Peggy Michel, Goolagong’s frequent doubles partner, was one of the top doubles specialists of her era and won 3 Grand Slam titles with Evonne at the Australian Open and Wimbledon in ’74 and the Aussie Open again in 1975. Goolagong could have teamed up with more well known players on the circuit, but she and Peggy were a formidable duo for many years.

Peggy Michel, Goolagong’s frequent doubles partner, was one of the most accomplished doubles specialists of her era. Known for her sharp net play and tactical awareness, Michel complemented Goolagong’s smooth baseline game, helping the pair become a formidable team in major tournaments. Michel’s consistency and experience made her an ideal partner, and together they showcased the chemistry and coordination that define elite doubles tennis.

Australian player Pam Whytcross was a respected contemporary of Evonne Goolagong Cawley in the 1970s and helped open up the world of tennis to women across the world when in 1973 at the age of 19, she was part of a meeting led by Billie Jean King that helped lay the groundwork for the formation of the Women's Tennis Association, underscoring her role in a pivotal moment for women’s tennis.

Michel and Whytcross give us a keen insight on one of Australia’s greatest athletes , Evonne Goolagong, who was much more than just a tennis star… she was a mother. One of only three women to win a major while also holding done another full-time job… being a mom! Past Our Prime is going down under as we relive one of the best to ever do it—Evonne Goolagong.

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