Evonne Goolagong’s surprise trophy presentation to Ash Barty masterminded by Tennis Australia

It was the feel-good moment that brought a huge smile to Ash Barty’s face. But pulling off Evonne Goolagong Cawley’s surprise appearance was no easy feat.

The touching moment Evonne Goolagong Cawley appeared on court to present Ash Barty the Australian Open winner’s trophy capped a secret plan hatched with military precision.

Barty was as shocked as anyone when her idol and friend walked onto Rod Laver Arena to deliver the feel good memory of a remarkable women’s final on Saturday night.

But behind the scenes, a handful of Tennis Australia executives breathed a collective sigh of relief that a carefully crafted plan to surprise Barty with another Aussie sporting legend had succeeded.

“Operation Evonne’’, masterminded by Australian Open boss Craig Tiley, was orchestrated covertly behind the scenes while Barty was making history on centre court.

Back entrances to Melbourne Park usually reserved for rock stars were used to usher Goolagong Cawley in and out of the tennis centre.

Cameras in parts of Rod Laver Arena were turned off while Goolagong Cawley passed by to keep her surprise appearance at the women’s final a closely guarded secret.

A secret room in the bowels of Rod Laver Arena and TV feed of the final was set aside for Goolagong Cawley and her family to watch the match in private.

Evonne Goolagong’s surprise appearance at the women’s final was a closely guarded secret.

And an accreditation pass for the winner of seven Grand Slam singles titles was not even printed, to avoid the secret only a select few Tennis Australia officials knew.

As far as Barty was aware, Goolagong Cawley was unable to make it to Melbourne Park.

“I was honestly surprised by Evonne arriving,’’ Barty said on Sunday.

“I’d spoken to her earlier in the week and to have her surprise me and hand me a beautiful trophy is a moment I will never forget.’’

As of Wednesday, Goolagong Cawley still had no plans to come to Melbourne from her Noosa home.

But as Barty steamrolled her way through the pointy end of the tournament and a date with destiny crept closer, she was convinced to board a plane and play a special part in her protege’s crowning moment on home soil.

Tournament director Craig Tiley plugged in some “last minute’’ phone calls and asked his closest aides to swing into action when Goolagong Cawley agreed to make a late dash to make the final.

Tiley revealed Goolagong Cawley only agreed to the plan a day before the final, describing the late push to get her to Melbourne as “like pulling a rabbit out of a hat.”

“We kept it very secret, Evonne wasn’t coming til Friday and then a couple of us spent a lot of time working on that and keeping it a secret and making it a big surprise,” he said.

“I’m so happy we did that because it was a really special and memorable moment.”

Barty said sharing the moment with her mentor, even for a few fleeting moments, was “incredible”. Picture: Getty Images

Goolagong Cawley was nowhere to be seen in the stands as the crowd soaked up Barty’s first set demolition job or even as she belted the crosscourt winner that sealed victory.

For maximum impact, officials did not bring her near public view until match point.

Even then they held her back to avoid bumping into an eager Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis who were milling near the player’s tunnel to step onto centre court themselves.

But with the time right, Goolagong Cawley stepped boldly into the spotlight and whipped fans into a frenzy before patting Barty on the back and handing her the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup.

Barty said sharing the moment with her mentor, even for a few fleeting moments, was “incredible”

“We had a lot of hugs to share, a lot of things to catch up on,’’ Barty said.

“She was in and out pretty quickly last night but I can’t wait to sit down with her and really absorb it.

Barty with Evonne Goolagong Cawley, and Cathy Freeman with her trophy. Picture: Getty Images)

“Our careers are forever connected.

“In one way or another, the stars always align for us and we’re always connected through our heritage and careers.’’

Having made Barty’s day, Goolagong Cawley posed for photos with the newly minted Australian Open champion and Cathy Freeman, delighting an adoring public who spotted the special images on social media.

But then she was gone again, jetting out of Melbourne on Saturday before Barty had even finished her late night press conference.

Mission accomplished.

Originally published as Evonne Goolagong’s surprise trophy presentation to Ash Barty masterminded by Tennis Australia