From winning titles on the court to being named a Young Australian Of The Year, Ash Barty has reached incredible heights in her career. In 2019, the tennis star and Ngarigo woman became the first female Australian tennis star since Evonne Goolagong Cawley to be world number one. So, to see the two Indigenous women joining forces for a new project is actually quite fitting, and barely a surprise.
In honour of International Women’s Day which falls on March 8, Barbie has released one-of-a-kind dolls of Ash and Evonne. The dolls made in their likeness form just one of four pairs that the brand has championed this IWD – “powerful friendship duos from around the world whose strong bonds inspire and empower each other’s success”. The other duos are US Olympic Gymnasts Jordan Chiles and Jade Carey; actors Hannah Waddingham (Ted Lasso, Game of Thrones) and Juno Temple (Ted Lasso, Fargo); and content creator and nurse friends Paola Antonini and Kelen Ferreira.
For Ash, seeing this representation in a doll symbolises the power of role models and friendship. It’s not just significant for her and her peers. She appreciates the impact it can have on the next generation too.
Here’s our conversation with Ash Barty where we hear more from her about her bond with Evonne, her special family connections and the notion of “what you see, you can be”.
What an exciting project, Ash! What was your first reaction when you found out that you were being included in this campaign – along with Evonne – and have a Barbie made in your likeness?
Disbelief! I didn’t ever think there would be a one-of-a-kind Barbie doll of me. I loved the campaign idea around friendship and being able to work with Evonne. My nieces think its pretty cool too!
You and Evonne share such a special bond and you have mentioned in the past that you instantly felt a connection with her. Can you tell us more about how your friendship began?
I first met Evonne after I played Junior Wimbledon in 2011. I knew a little bit about her story and what she had achieved but began to learn more after that time. She was so genuine, warm and kind to me and our friendship has only grown over the years. She is someone I look up to for not only her tennis achievements, but who she is as a person.
Through the campaign, Barbie is celebrating strong female friendships. How has the support of female friends like Evonne shaped your journey, both on and off the court – and as you entered motherhood?
I’ve been so lucky to have many wonderful female friendships, and a Mum and two sisters. Casey Dellacqua was like a big sister to me during my young years on the tennis tour, she always looked after me and we have been very close friends ever since. My sisters Sara and Ali are my best friends. They know me better than anyone (the good and the bad!) and I am so grateful we all get to raise our kids together.
Evonne has shared that she thinks it’s important for First Nations women and girls to hear her story and journey. What do you think it means for First Nations girls to see yourself represented as a Barbie role model, and to learn about your tennis career?
I’m a big believer in ‘what you see, you can be’. I hope that seeing my journey can help inspire First Nations kids to discover their passion, dream big and know that anything is possible.
And we must ask, what’s your favourite thing about Evonne?
How genuine she is.
Top photo source: Supplied/Barbie
