Touching story behind Ash Barty’s iconic Wimbledon outfit

There’s a really cool meaning behind the eye-catching outfit Ash Barty has donned throughout her Wimbledon campaign en route to the final.

Ash Barty and Evonne Goolagong Cawley at Edmonton Tennis Club, Cairns as part of the regional Indigenous tennis program. The Weekend Australian Magazine - Cairns, 9 Oct 2019.

Throughout her 2021 Wimbledon campaign, Ash Barty has donned a special dress in tribute to fellow Indigenous Australian Evonne Goolagong Cawley, 50 years after the tennis great won her first Wimbledon title.

And the tribute was made all the more special by Barty’s win in the Wimbledon final over karolina Pliskova.

Barty said she had asked Cawley if she was OK with her drawing inspiration from the 1971 champion’s iconic “scallop dress”.

The 25-year-old said she hoped her dress would have a similar impact on the “next generation of Indigenous youth” as Cawley’s had on hers.

“It’s a really special anniversary for a lot of Australians, but for Indigenous Australians in particular,” Barty said of the 50th anniversary of Cawley’s triumph.

“I think this is a really special one. For me, to be able to wear an outfit inspired by Evonne’s iconic scallop dress is really amazing.

“I wanted to make sure she was OK with it.

“Before we had put in the process of creating my version of her iconic dress, I wanted to make sure she was OK. Called her and asked her.

“She was really excited.”

This #Wimbledon@FILAtennis honoring Evonne Goolagong Cawley's 50th anniversary win by recreating her dress for world No.1 @ashbarty

Barty: 'Her inspiring career has paved the way for young Indigenous women. It is my honor'
Cawley: 'It just blows my mind. It's truly fantastic' pic.twitter.com/9erVI22ySC

— Tim Newcomb (@tdnewcomb) June 24, 2021

Barty said being close to the now 69-year-old Cawley — who added a second Wimbledon title in 1980 — made it all the more special.

“I think I’m exceptionally proud to be able to call her a friend and a mentor, to be able to share heritage,” Barty said.

“For me to be able to pay tribute to that on a really special anniversary is something that I’ll never forget.

“I know not only myself but my team, my family, and Evonne and her family are really excited for the outfit, as well.”

Barty broke down when asked about Cawley in her post-match trophy presentation in the early hours of Sunday morning (AEST), saying: “I hope I made Evonne proud.”

Ash Barty's eye-catching Wimbledon outfit.

Evonne Goolagong with the Wimbledon trophy in 1971.

Ash Barty with Evonne Goolagong Cawley.

– with AFP