The ABC's new biographical drama Goolagong sidesteps the typical triumphalism of sports storytelling, offering a more nuanced and graceful portrait of Australian tennis legend Evonne Goolagong Cawley. The three-part series, which premiered on Sunday, 8.20pm, presents a contemplative study of the former world number one, whose career yielded seven grand slam singles titles.
A Refreshing Departure from Sports Drama Clichés
Directed by Wayne Blair, the series immediately establishes a different tone. Eschewing a "win at all costs" mentality, it employs a fluid flashback structure and light-filled cinematography to explore Goolagong's journey. The narrative gracefully moves between her Wimbledon triumphs and her childhood in 1950s Barellan, New South Wales, where her Indigenous family faced isolation as the community's only First Nations residents.
Newcomer Lila McGuire, a Whadjuk and Ballardong Noongar woman, delivers an outstanding performance in the titular role. She captures Goolagong's signature agreeableness and soft heart while also conveying the immense tenacity required to reach the pinnacle of tennis. The writing team of Steven McGregor and Megan Simpson Huberman maintains a dignified approach, prioritising emotional restraint over bombast.
Complex Characters and Political Undertones
The series introduces a layered portrayal of Goolagong's influential coach, Vic Edwards, played by Marton Csokas. Initially presented as a benign figure, the narrative gradually reveals more complex and potentially toxic dimensions to their relationship. The drama also thoughtfully engages with the political crossroads of Goolagong's career, notably her controversial decision to play in apartheid-era South Africa, where she was granted "honorary white" status. The series poses questions about the intersection of sports and politics without offering simplistic judgements.
The early scenes establishing Goolagong's humble origins are handled with authenticity, avoiding cliché. Visions of a young Evonne practising by hitting an old ball against a brick pillar with a paddle effectively symbolise her raw, natural talent and determination.
Elegant Staging and Psychological Focus
The tennis sequences themselves are elegantly and unconventionally staged. Director Blair and his team use scaled-back colour palettes and camerawork that focuses on the players' positioning and psychological state, rather than following the frantic trajectory of the ball. This technique ensures the sport remains a lens through which to understand Goolagong's character, not merely a metric of her success.
Ultimately, Goolagong is a captivating drama that transcends its genre. By focusing as much on origin as on outcome, it provides a rich, humanising portrait of a sporting icon. All three episodes are available to stream now on ABC iview.
