Evonne Goolagong Cawley on Sunday said she couldn't be more proud of "little sister" Ashleigh Barty after the Australian won Wimbledon exactly 50 years after her indigenous compatriot achieved the feat. Barty wore a dress inspired by the one Cawley sported in the 1971 final, and the 69-year-old was overcome with emotion watching her win. Barty spoke with Cawley prior to The Championships and said she was a role model to her. Cawley said one of the last messages she sent Barty was "dreams do come true, they came true for me". Fellow indigenous athlete Cathy Freeman and Australian tennis great Rod Laver also paid tribute to Barty, hailing her as inspirational.

Source: News 24 July 11, 2021 05:26 UTC