Original subtitles

She's a natural. What she has, that can't be taught.

Nice shot.

You want to take our girl away?

I can't emphasise it enough.

Evonne has the potential

to make her mark on the international game of tennis.

She's having fun. And again.

I'm proud of you, bub.

Promise me you'll enjoy it.

And when it stops being fun, you come home.

I promise.

Go, Gong!

I've, ah, been carrying this around all night.

For God's sake, Trisha, you're an embarrassment.

I'm sick of this.

I am sick of you controlling my life.

Trisha, you can't go.

Sorry, Eve.

You're going to have to work out how to deal with him by yourself.

Perhaps not the game we expected.

I'd argue that Evonne is out of form.

Pet...

I'm in love with you.

If you ever put your tongue in my mouth again, I will bite it off!

Evonne will learn from this.

You've all seen what a beautiful player she is.

Will you be back next year to make your coach proud?

15-40.

Evonne Goolagong to serve.

When do you reckon you'll be back this way?

Right after she wins Wimbledon, hey, Evie?

We'll see, Dad.

First, I've got to go to South Africa.

Why do you wanna go there?

What do you reckon?

Play tennis.

You want to be careful.

They treat their black fellas the same as they do here.

Even worse.

Mm.

It'll be fine, Mum.

Remember that time you rang me, from Sydney?

Crying after that woman said

she'd never been beaten by a nigger before?

Yeah.

That's what you're walking into.

When did this happen?

Last year.

Why didn't you say something?

We made a complaint,

to the tennis club.

She doesn't play there anymore.

Good work.

Lucky me and your mother weren't there.

We would have given them what for. Mm.

You sure you want to go?

I don't want anyone rubbishing you over there.

Maybe if they do, I'll give them what for.

I'd like to see that.

We got that woman banned, Barb.

Maybe some good will come of all this, too.

I don't know, Eve.

You can play tennis anywhere in the world.

Bet I know whose big idea it was to go to South Africa.

Margaret Court to serve.

Quiet, please.

Firstly, I'd like to say I am astounded

at the reaction to Evonne playing at the South African Open.

Excuse me, Evonne, are you letting your people down?

Why are you going to South Africa?

Are you a supporter of apartheid?

I'm going to play tennis.

As long as I'm treated like any tennis player

in any part of the world, South Africa won't worry me.

How do you feel being called a traitor by your own people?

I haven't heard that.

Which toilet are you going to use,

the ones for the whites or the ones for the blacks?

If there's any of that nonsense,

we'll be on the first plane out of there.

The African-American player Bonnie Logan's not taking part.

And Arthur Ashe has repeatedly been denied visas

to compete in South Africa.

How are you getting into the country?

Have you been classed as an honorary white?

Standard procedures were followed and Evonne was granted a visa.

Why Mr Ashe was denied one,

that's something you'll have to take up

with the South African government.

You're a black person, Evonne.

You're going to a country

where the oppression of black people is written in law.

Why do you want to support such a regime?

That's totally inappropriate.

I asked Evonne.

If Margaret Court's allowed to play in South Africa, why can't I?

I'm going there to win.

I want to show them

that a black player is just as good as a white player.

I think everyone should be treated equally, black or white.

That's not the way it works in South Africa.

Game, set, match, Mrs Margaret Court.

I'm sorry you lost.

You did good.

Thank you.

I don't understand what all the fuss is about.

You're not even black.

They're gonna crucify me when I get home.

Why did you bring me here?

Don't dwell on it, pet.

You'll learn from this.

It's easy for you to say.

Forget about what people say.

You believe in yourself.

You played your heart out, that's all that matters.

Is it?

It doesn't feel like it.

Margaret Court's won 20 Grand Slam titles.

She's the greatest player that the women's game's ever seen.

You learn from the loss

and figure out how you're going to beat her next time.

Hi.

Hi.

Congratulations on your first slam.

French Open, and Wimbledon final tomorrow.

Wow.

Thank you.

The post has been terrible.

Don't know which got lost, my letters to you or yours to me.

I got your letters.

You couldn't have told me in person?

I knew what you'd say.

I'd have had a point.

How can you stay with him?

He's a monster.

I don't need you to fight my battles for me.

I just have to... handle him.

I'm doing this for me.

For my family.

You need to understand that.

I just won the French Open.

Something's working.

I'm worried about you.

So I see.

Touche.

Nothing serious.

I got those tickets for the final tomorrow for you.

No, that's great. Thanks.

You should get back to it.

I truly hope it works out for you.

And watch out for him, Gong.

Thank you, bub.

If she's gonna play tennis, she needs a dress.

Well, if any more of our kids wanna play, we're gonna run out of sheets.

Hey?

Hello?

Dad.

Evie!

What you doing?

Nothing.

What you mob doing?

Ah, been fishing.

Caught the biggest mob of yellow belly.

Big feed tonight. You're missing out.

Oh, save me some?

I don't know about that.

You know what this family's like. They'll clean it all up.

Yeah.

Next time then?

Yeah, when you get back.

Where's Mum?

Ah, she's down at the shops.

Looks like everyone's coming around here to watch your match.

Wish I was there.

How's that gonna work?

If you're here, who are we gonna watch on the TV?

You ready?

Yeah, Dad.

We're all so proud of you, bub.

Now, Madame Margaret got all them trophies.

It's your turn now.

You've done all the hard work.

Now you go give them what for.

And remember, we love you, no matter what.

Thanks, Dad.

For the first time in history,

two Australians will contest the Women's Single Final at Wimbledon.

The reigning champion, the clinical Margaret Court,

will meet the young Aborigine, Evonne Goolagong.

In their previous eight matches,

Goolagong has only beaten Court once.

But with her victory at the French Open,

she has announced herself to the world.

Ann, can she clinch another slam?

Come on, bub.

Quiet, please. Mrs Court to serve.

Advantage Goolagong on Court's serve.

Come on, Eve!

She's looking confident. Come on, Eve.

Oh! The young girl from outback Australia

has broken the reigning champion... Come on, Eve.

...in the opening game of the final.

That's it. Pretty good start, alright.

That's a strong start from Evonne. Don't forget to breathe, Dad.

Hey.

Clearly, that double fault at 40-love

doesn't seem to have dented Evonne's attitude.

Will she clinch her fourth game in a row, Ann?

Game, Miss Goolagong.

She looks so breezy.

Miss Goolagong leads four games to love.

Not too shabby.

She's on fire.

Deuce.

Good moment for an ace.

Second advantage, Mrs Court.

Can she capitalise on it this time?

Yes, she can.

And Margaret is on the board.

Evie had to give her something. Be rude not to, eh?

Yeah, right.

Great point to hold, and that's three consecutive games.

Just shows that a player with Margaret's experience

can turn a match around with little warning.

It's 5-4 to Goolagong in this first set, but it's Mrs Court's advantage.

Oh, courageous net play at break point.

Deuce.

Goolagong was lucky to get a second go at the smash

and she took no prisoners with it.

Advantage, Mrs Court.

Oof!

The net cord gods smiled on Evonne there.

We'll take it. We'll take that.

We'll take it alright, Frankie. Yeah!

But you can feel Margaret's fight to stay in this match.

You can, Ann. It's hanging in the balance.

Court is two points away from equalising in the first set.

Goolagong is even closer to winning it.

Come on, Evie. Come on.

That was a timely ace from Evonne. She holds her nerve.

Now serving for the first set.

Come on. Come on.

And Goolagong takes the first set 6-4.

She wins, this, Kenny, I'll have to up your rent.

That's our girl there.

I think she's having fun.

Evonne has broken Margaret early in the second set of this women's final

and she's looking pretty confident, Dan.

She is. Hard to believe she's only 19.

Game, Miss Goolagong.

Take that one.

Evonne Goolagong is one match point away from winning a Wimbledon crown.

Fault.

Court has missed the first serve.

You're about to become the man who snubbed a Wimbledon champion.

I think she's going to win it, love.

Quiet, please.

Game, set and championship, Miss Goolagong.

Well played.

So, it seems there's a little epidemic of bottom pinching

going around Wimbledon.

Yes, you men have been sneaking up on a woman,

reaching out and giving her a good...

Now, I'm not asking for that,

but maybe I need to pinch myself to believe that this is all real.

Ever since I was little and read a story in Princess Magazine,

I've dreamed of winning a Wimbledon final.

And now here I am.

It's a long way from Barellan,

so thank you, to everyone who's helped me get here.

We'd like to invite our two Wimbledon champions of 1971,

Miss Evonne Goolagong and Mr John Newcombe,

onto the dance floor.

Congratulations.

She was absolutely incredible today.

Yeah. A credit to you.

That silverware is yours, too.

I knew when I first saw her, she'd be something special.

Ah, she sure is, she sure is.

There's a lot of sparky players coming through the women's game now.

Coaches are circling like vultures around this girl from Florida,

Chrissie Evert.

She is a bright spark.

Killer backhand, not unlike your Evonne.

Mm-hm.

So, what are your plans for her from here?

Patience, training.

The world will soon learn what a champion Evonne is.

French Open. Wimbledon.

I think the world already knows, Vic.

Yeah.

Um, we OK?

It's OK, he's with me.

You were incredible today.

I know the timing of this looks bad.

You're amazing.

And I've been an utter idiot.

You're right.

I am amazing.

You have been an idiot.

You have a good night, Roger.

I'm sure there's enough here to keep you busy.

Hey, here she is.

I get the feeling the British

are a little anxious that another Aussie's taken their crown.

Not sure you're gonna give it back.

Well, it is a nice fit.

Oh, it's a magnificent fit.

You did well today, pet.

You can be justly proud.

I want you to pay no attention to this business about Margaret.

What business?

There's a rumour going around

that she's pregnant and wouldn't have lost otherwise.

Why would people say that?

Scuttlebutt.

You played beautifully today.

They just want an excuse to say that you don't really belong here.

Well, I guess we'll just have to come back again next year

and do it all again.

It's outrageous what they're saying about you.

Billie Jean's whipping up a storm that's out of control.

Chrissie's a part of it now,

but you're doing well to stay out of it.

I suppose it's all part of the territory.

You're the one they all want to beat.

Thank you, Carol.

You're up. Thanks.

I love Evonne, but she's the one I want to beat.

You've got 15 minutes.

Thank you for agreeing to this, Evonne.

Oh, no worries.

I'm sure you're aware

Aboriginal activists have set up an embassy

on the lawns of Parliament House to draw attention to their plight.

They've hoisted their own flag.

It's caused quite a stir in Australia.

Care to share your thoughts?

I'm the first, and only, Aboriginal playing tennis overseas,

and I feel really great about it.

Me and my family,

we were so proud when Lionel Rose won the world title in '68.

Dad reckons my brothers were bouncing round the house shadowboxing,

thinking they were Lionel Rose.

We're just as good as anyone.

And I want to show my people that if you work hard enough,

if you dream hard enough, you can get here.

Lovely design Teddy Tinling's come up with for you this year.

Is it true 'Goolagong' means 'tall trees by still waters'?

So I've been told.

Are you saying that's not what it means?

It's public knowledge you've been ostracised

by the other women in the dressing room.

That must be tough.

I don't think it's personal.

Competitive, maybe.

Well, as well as setting up her Rebel Women's Tour,

Billie Jean King has been very vocal in her campaign

to secure a bigger prize purse for female players, an equal one.

Do you support her?

The game of tennis has given me everything I ever dreamed of,

and more.

I feel like the luckiest person in the world.

You grew up on an Aboriginal reserve, is that right?

No.

There was a mission nearby,

and whenever a shiny black car would drive past,

Mum would make all us kids run and hide under the bed.

That must have been dreadfully frightening.

We were the lucky ones.

Our family got to stay together.

Until your tennis took you away.

I chose tennis.

I feel so lucky to be here.

Oh, I love this tournament so much, I'd play for free.

You've said your coach has programmed your career for you.

Do you get a say in that?

Mr Edwards gave me an opportunity,

and for that, I will always be grateful.

And I took that opportunity with both hands.

I hope, one day, I might be someone who can inspire Aboriginal kids.

Maybe one day,

we'll see some of them bouncing round the yard, swinging a racquet,

thinking they're Evonne Goolagong.

I've been watching this Chris Evert play. Tough little customer.

You'll need to be a lot more aggressive against her, so...

Just play my natural game.

That's what you usually say.

Yes, but the stakes are much higher now.

Be humiliating not to make the final, wouldn't it?

Don't get complacent.

I'm not.

This is Chris's first big semi.

She'll be nervous.

She likes to hug the baseline, so I'll force her to the net.

And play short to that double-handed backhand of hers.

It's her Achilles heel.

I want you to win.

That's what I'm here for.

You nearly had me there. Huh. Sure I did.

Too many unforced errors in that last set.

That was a great game, Chris.

You won't be as nervous next year. I wasn't nervous.

I'm fighting for all of us.

And you're telling the world that you'd play here for free.

It's not all I said. You're the number 1 seed here.

Everything you say matters. I just want to play tennis.

Well, you're not alone there.

But the men that run this show need to respect us.

Last year at the US Open,

the men's prize money was 12 times the women's.

That's what we're up against.

People are watching the Rebel tour. Lots of people.

We're making inroads here. Walk with us.

But you could be banned from playing the slams.

Oh, they're just threats. That's all they have.

If we all stick together, there's no way they'll do that.

Mm?

Congrats, by the way.

Mum said when it stops being fun, come home.

What if I'm a one-hit wonder?

You're nowhere near a one-hit wonder.

You're Led Zeppelin. You're the rock and roll of tennis.

Mm.

Do you know what your surname means?

I'm told it has Gaelic origins.

'Pasty white legs by muddy bog'.

'Tall trees by still water'.

I saw the dress.

I... I can't believe that people get to just make up whatever they want,

and I have to wear it.

Literally.

It's your own fault for being so talented.

Mmm! That's why they're all after you.

You think Vic's going to send out a search party?

Not sure of his tracking skills.

Hey, he's been in an almost OK mood lately.

How's that possible?

Oh, he's like a child.

I just have to handle him right.

Not upset him.

He keeps on going at me to focus on crushing the other player.

But what I want, what I love,

is that moment when I'm playing someone really great,

and we lift each other.

And the tennis is so good, it's like we both win.

Thank you for today.

I really needed a friend.

Anytime.

What a clinical display.

Billie Jean King has claimed her fourth Wimbledon crown

in just 50 minutes.

This wasn't just another final for Billie Jean.

This was personal.

The reigning champion Evonne Goolagong was crushed today.

How are you, pet?

Well, I just wish it could have been a better match,

for the crowd.

It's your feeling for others that makes you so beautiful.

This tour has been particularly unpleasant for you.

But you made the final.

You can be proud of that.

I've been thinking.

Mm-hm.

I know it's a risk, but is there any way I can join the women's tour?

What they're doing is important.

I want to be a part of it.

Maybe, if the slams loosen their rules.

This might interest you.

I've heard of a new tennis tournament

being set up over in the States.

That could be fun.

Weekly matches,

huge crowds.

It would mean a lot more tennis.

Oh, the more tennis the better.

And you'd have to move to America.

Alone? No.

No, I'd be there.

It's a big move. Mm.

Maybe sit on it for a bit?

You go home and spend some time with your family.

Hm?

You've earned it.

In the meantime, I could draft a new contract

while you have a think about it.

So the old fella's still wheeling and dealing, eh?

Got you living on the other side of the world now.

We discussed it, and I think it's a good thing.

If you say so.

You got a lawyer to look at that contract?

Just be careful, Eve, that's all.

I will, Dad.

How long's the contract for?

Four years. Four years?

You better be getting good money for that. I bet he is!

There's a lot of expenses,

and Mr Edwards covers all of that.

And then I get spending money.

We used to work for rations. Flour, sugar, tea.

Then they started paying us.

Boss man would hide our wages.

Chuck us a bit of money now and then.

You don't need no mission manager, Eve.

Don't let anyone tell you you're not good enough.

I won't, Dad.

This is something I really want to do.

It's America.

It'll be fun.

And then when it stops?

I know. I'll come home.

God, you and Mum never give up.

Never, bub.

Remember, Evonne, you're the sunshine superwoman now.

That's the brand we're leaning into.

OK, after this, I need you to go straight home into bed

and be downstairs at 0400 for your airport car.

Once we hit San Fran, I have some radio interviews lined up.

Then you're on court.

Post-match, it is straight to Sarasota before the US Open.

OK. More lip.

Mr Edwards has locked in a pre-tournament exhibition

for you and Chris.

Oh, and we're up to six department stores

for meet and greets to launch your championship dress.

Uh, what dress? Oh, you'll love it.

It's a Teddy.

Quick, please.

It's been sent to your apartment,

and please remember to have those tennis balls signed by tomorrow.

The sponsors can't wait any longer.

They're ready for us, Eve!

Is there a copy of the schedule for me?

Of course.

That's at your apartment, too.

But don't worry, I'll be there to keep you on track.

Now show those pearly whites.

OK, everybody going for a take. Team Evonne, quiet on set.

And... action.

Hi, I'm Evonne Goolagong, and welcome to World Team Tennis.

This is insane.

Has she scheduled in my bathroom breaks?

Yeah. They're in pink.

Highlighters were invented for control freaks like Susan.

Are you actually going to eat that?

You want some?

No.

Eww, get it away. You sure?

Remember, she works for you, not the other way around.

Hello?

Barb?

Eve! What are you doing?

The usual.

Travelling the countryside?

Yeah, all over the place.

Better come home soon.

You won't recognise Ian.

Like a beanstalk.

I wish I could,

but there's no real breaks anymore.

I'll be back for the Australian season at the end of the year,

but I won't get home to Mum and Dad's until the end of Jan.

Vic still working you hard?

Is he behaving himself?

He's alright.

He's making a lot of things happen.

Is Dad there?

No.

You got the jitters?

A little bit.

The US Open's coming up.

Yeah, sorry, Eve.

Dad had to go to Hillston looking for work.

His car's on its last legs.

Any news on getting him a new one?

I've asked Mr Edwards.

I'll ask him again.

Evie, you know how hard it was for Dad to ask in the first place.

He wouldn't have if he didn't need it.

Is there a problem?

Don't you have a say over your own money?

It's complicated.

I'll ask again.

Uh, listen, Barb, I've got to go.

I've got an early flight in the morning.

I've still got to pack.

Give Mum a hug for me.

Love you. Bye.

Bye, sis.

You watch the tennis?

No.

Susan said you wanted to see me?

I've, uh...

I've noticed you're lacking a bit of focus.

I'm in the semis of the US Open.

I'm playing World Team Tennis, with the WTA.

I'm jumping on planes and buses.

I need a rest.

Being a high-profile player comes at a price.

You have to honour your commitment to the game and to your fans.

Quite frankly, I feel like you're letting them down.

You're letting me down.

How?

Your recent loss to Chrissie Evert.

Everyone's losing to Chris Evert.

She's on a 55-match winning streak.

The crowds and the sponsors want to see a Goolagong-Evert final

at the end-of-season championships.

I don't think you're going to get there.

You have to find your killer instinct.

My matches with Chris are great tennis.

They're sold out. Everyone wants to watch us play.

I'm working my butt off, for what?

I've asked you for some money to buy Dad a new car.

I'm still waiting.

Yeah, I'll get there when I can, pet.

You're not the only one with things on your plate, Evonne.

I promised him.

You've already done so much for your family.

You bought the house.

New appliances.

I think you need to be careful not to be too generous.

But leave it with me.

Why can't we just do it now?

Isn't it my...

Don't I have the money?

There are a lot of things to consider.

Contracts, ongoing negotiations.

But look, if you want to run your own finances,

I can pass them all over to you.

After this tournament,

Susan's going to be taking care of things while I'm away.

I'm just going to be taking a little break with Mrs Edwards.

I hope you have a lovely time.

Um, Peggy, what's going on?

Post-US Open party.

Vic's away with his wife.

Susan's sulking.

We're cutting loose!

And also,

some guy came around for you.

Cameron? That cute guy from the bar?

No, some English guy.

He's cute, too.

What are you doing here?

Not replying to my letters.

Mm.

I had to see you.

And how long are you here for?

Not sure yet.

We'll see what happens.

Hello.

Oh, hey. Come here often?

Always. Always.

I've missed you.

Really?

How much?

Surely, as one of the highest paid tennis players in the world,

you can afford to have your laundry done.

Old habits.

I'm flying to Houston today,

and then Phoenix, and then Los Angeles for two weeks after that,

and then back here, then home for the Australian season.

And then after that, I might finally get a break.

Ugh!

Every day, every moment of my life is scheduled.

This was lovely, but it can't be the start of something.

I've got no time or space for anything else.

I can wait.

I don't know if you should.

I don't know how you can play.

Sorry.

You must be getting excited about the wedding.

Oh, didn't I tell you?

Uh, Jimmy and I have decided to call it off.

He just assumed that my tennis would take a backseat to his.

No room for two Wimbledon champions in the same marriage, I guess.

Please welcome our finalists for 1974,

Miss Chris Evert and Miss Evonne Goolagong.

Are you gonna be OK?

30-love.

Quiet, please.

♪ Oh, give me land Lots of land

♪ And the starry sky above... ♪

Deuce.

What's going on?

I'm so sorry, dear.

There's been an accident.

Your father.

He didn't make it, love.

What do you mean?

No!

What do you mean?

Mum!

Eve?

Barb.

I'll be home on the next plane.

That's what Mum wants.

But think about it first, Eve.

We're all here for her and you can't do much for Dad now.

He'd want you to finish.

Stay on the tour.

There's not a lot you can do for the family if you go back home.

I don't want you to throw away all that hard work.

You're in peak fitness.

If you take time off, you'll lose condition,

and it'll be impossible to climb out of that hole.

No, I'm going to the funeral.

This is my family. They need me.

Your feelings for your father are honourable, but...

...I'm worried if you go home now, you'll never come back.

I'm not your father, but I know what he would have wanted.

And what Kenny Goolagong wanted more than anything

was for your family to be provided for.

He can't do that now, but you can do it for him.

If you stay, you've got a clear path to the final,

and if you win,

you'll be able to provide for your family

in a way that your father could only have dreamed of.

It was a considerable sacrifice for your father

letting you go off to live away from home.

Don't let that sacrifice be for nothing.

He'd have wanted you to keep going...

...and finish the tour.

Game, set, and championship, Miss Goolagong.

Evonne?

Evonne, pet?

Please come and join Mrs Edwards and I for breakfast.

Evonne?

Are you there?

Evonne?

Pet?

I should have been here.

I miss your dad, 'cause he was with me every day since I was 18,

by my side.

What about that Roger fella?

What's happening there?

I've got no time for a boyfriend.

A few phone calls and I could have you barred from every tennis club

and coaching school on three continents.

I don't know what you're talking about.

Yes, you do.

I taught you everything.

And I had nothing to do with it?

This is serious. You need to take a break.

And I will, right after the next match.

Poor Evonne.

If it is the end of her career,

it's an awful way to go out.

Captions by Red Bee Media

Copyright Australian Broadcasting Corporation