Australian juniors shine at Wimbledon

Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Jenny Macklin and Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development and Sport Mark Arbib today congratulated Australia’s newest tennis champions Ashleigh Barty and Luke Saville on winning the junior titles at Wimbledon today.

Senator Arbib said Wimbledon has been a great tournament for Australian tennis and ended with fantastic results.

“Two junior grand slam titles is a huge result for Tennis Australia and its development program with both Luke and Ashleigh current Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) tennis scholarship holders,” Senator Arbib said.

“This is the first time since 1968 that Australia has had finalists in both the boys and girls final and the first time in history we have won both.

“I congratulate Luke and Ashleigh on their phenomenal efforts and look forward to seeing their further success as they continue to develop and grow as players.

“Combined with the great result of 18-year-old Bernard Tomic in reaching the quarter finals in the men’s draw, the future of Australian tennis looks very bright.”

Ms Macklin said Barty’s win was not only fantastic for Australian tennis, but also for young Indigenous Australians.

“After winning this prestigious title at only 15 years old, Ashleigh will now be a role model for Indigenous young people across Australia,” Ms Macklin said.

“Ashleigh’s win is a great start to NAIDOC week, which celebrates the outstanding achievements of Indigenous Australians and their contribution to the nation.

“I also congratulate Luke on a great win and look forward to seeing many more successes come his way.”

Barty’s victory makes her the first Indigenous Australian to claim a Wimbledon title since her mentor Evonne Goolagong Cawley.