Barbie transform Ash Barty and Evonne Goolagong Cawley for International Women’s Day 2025

Iconic Australian tennis duo Ash Barty and Evonne Goolagong Cawley’s legendary friendship and remarkable achievements have been immortalised as Barbie dolls for International Women’s Day.

Ash Barty and Evonne Goolagong Cawley have many things in common but never imagined they would be immortalised as Barbie dolls.

The impact the two Australian tennis legends have had on women’s sport across the country is immeasurable and their tales fit perfectly with the Barbie doll line’s message for International Women’s Day (IWD) – the power of friendship can unlock limitless possibilities.

They are the second and third Australian sportswomen to be transformed into dolls in two years following footballer Mary Fowler last year.The one-of-a-kind dolls are not for sale.

In 2021, Barty became just the third Australian woman to win Wimbledon and the second First Nations woman to do so since her idol Goolagong Cawley.

“My first reaction was almost disbelief,” Barty said.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that I would be a Barbie myself. I think it’s just such an incredible experience to be part of.”

Evonne Goolagong Cawley and Ash Barty have been immortalised as Barbie dolls. Picture: Supplied

Goolagong Cawley said she couldn’t “believe it’s happened”.

The tennis stars aren’t the only two to be part of Barbie’s IWD release.

US Olympic gymnasts Jordan Chiles and Jade Carey, actors Hannah Waddingham and Juno Temple and content creators and nurses Paola Antonini and Kelen Ferreira have also been transformed into dolls.

Barty’s doll captures the moment she won Wimbledon in 2021, right down to the same dress that was inspired by Goolagong Cawley’s famous scalloped one.

Their stories are linked, like their dolls. Goolagong Cawley’s Barbie immortalises the moment she presented Barty with the trophy for winning the 2022 Australian Open women’s singles final.

A three-time Wimbledon champion, Goolagong Cawley said role models had an important part to play.

Ash Barty’s doll captures her 2021 Wimbledon win. Picture: Supplied

Barbie celebrate International Women’s Day with the tennis duo. Picture: Jim Wimberg

“I run an Indigenous national program which includes a lot of girls and I tell them about my story of what it took to get through and eventually win at Wimbledon,” she said.

“It’s important for them to hear our stories of how we got there and how rough the road can be.

“So really we’re trying – both of us are trying – to create a natural pathway for kids to find their dreams and to achieve their dreams.”

Barty said the collection highlighted how many career paths now existed for young girls and women.

“I think now there’s so much opportunity,” Barty said. “There are so many different ways to discover what your passion is and to see what you can become.

“It’s opened up a whole new world of possibility and dreams for young girls, in particular.”

Evonne Goolagong Cawley presented Ash Barty with her AO silverware. Picture: Michael Klein

Barty said she could still remember the first time she met Goolagong Cawley following Junior Wimbledon in 2011.

“There were so many similarities and just such easy conversation,’’ she said.

“There were so many things that we could relate to with each other in tennis but also in life.

“It was just that connection straight away, without a doubt.”

Goolagong Cawley also remembers the day fondly.

“We never talked about tennis. Ever,’’ she said. “I was more concerned with her wellbeing … I just want her to be happy and she makes me happy.”

Senior vice president of Barbie at Mattel, Krista Berger, said support and encouragement was one of the greatest tools a girl could have.

“As we approach International Women’s Day, Barbie is proud to honour legendary female friendship duos across different backgrounds, professions and parts of the world,” she said.

“We know first-hand that friendships formed at a young age can help fuel social and professional growth, setting girls up for limitless possibilities.”

Originally published as Barbie transform Ash Barty and Evonne Goolagong Cawley for International Women’s Day 2025