Get ready to be inspired, because this January, the ABC is bringing a story that will make you cheer, cry, and question everything you thought you knew about resilience. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can a single person’s journey truly redefine what it means to be a champion? The answer might surprise you. Premiering on Sunday, January 4th at 8:20 PM on ABC TV, with all episodes available to stream on ABC iview, the three-part mini-drama series Goolagong is set to take center stage—and it’s not just another sports biopic. This is the untold story of Evonne Goolagong, Australia’s tennis legend, whose life was a whirlwind of family, love, loss, and an unbreakable spirit. And this is the part most people miss: Her rise to fame didn’t just happen on the court; it was a cultural revolution, intersecting with the fight for Indigenous rights and women’s liberation in the 1970s and 1980s. From her groundbreaking Wimbledon debut in 1970 to becoming the first mother to win Wimbledon in the modern era in 1980, Evonne’s story is a testament to breaking barriers—both personal and societal. But what makes Goolagong truly unique? It’s not just about tennis; it’s a deeply personal tale of a young Wiradjuri woman’s journey, told through the lens of family bonds and romantic love, that promises to resonate far beyond Australia’s shores. Starring the rising star Lila McGuire, a proud Whadjuk and Ballardong Noongar woman, alongside heavyweights like Marton Csokas, Felix Mallard, and Luke Carroll, this series is a masterclass in storytelling. Directed by Wayne Blair and written by Steven McGregor and Megan Simpson Huberman, with Evonne Goolagong Cawley herself as an Associate Producer, Goolagong is a labor of love and authenticity. Here’s the bold question: Does her legacy challenge our modern understanding of what it means to be a legend? We think so. Produced by Werner Film Productions in collaboration with Screen Australia, VicScreen, and the ABC, this series is more than entertainment—it’s a conversation starter. Champions play the game, but legends change it. And Evonne Goolagong didn’t just change the game; she redefined it. Don’t miss out on this must-watch drama and explore more compelling stories on ABC iview (https://iview.abc.net.au/category/drama). What’s your take? Does Evonne’s story inspire you to challenge the status quo? Let us know in the comments—we’re all ears! Production credits include a powerhouse team led by Joanna Werner, Danielle MacLean, and Ruth Underwood, with global sales handled by BBC Studios. We proudly acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn, and work.
