WA Make Their Mark at the 2025 National Indigenous Tennis Carnival | 11 August, 2025

Team WA returned home proud and inspired after an unforgettable week at the 2025 National Indigenous Tennis Carnival (NITC) in Darwin – a celebration of culture, competition, and connection that brought together hundreds of First Nations players from across the country. 

The NITC, considered the pinnacle of the First Nations tennis pathway, is more than just a tournament. Across four days, participants immersed themselves in cultural workshops, forged new friendships, and competed in spirited matches under the Northern Territory sun.

In attendance all week was Tennis legend Evonne Goolagong Cawley, who crowned the 2025 champions and reflected on the significance of the event:

“The combination of tennis with culture can only make them stronger. The combination is just unreal.”

After arriving in Darwin and settling into their accommodation, Team WA began the week with a welcome dinner and team meeting to connect and set goals.

Day two saw the official team check-in at the Darwin International Tennis Centre, where players received their event shirts and goodies before taking part in a vibrant Opening Ceremony. The afternoon was filled with cultural activities, including spear throwing, language workshops, traditional dancing, string making, pillar painting, face painting, and ballkid training.

On day three, WA proudly contributed to the Cultural Exchange, presenting the Reconciliation Action Plan artwork by Jade Narkle and explaining the story behind it. Matches then began for both the Future Stars and Showdown competitions, with the players giving their all in hot and humid conditions.

Day four wrapped up with the Future Stars finals before a surprise performance from Indigenous rapper Barkaa, whose high-energy set had the crowd on their feet.

Team WA delivered strong results on and off the court, including:

Alexis Holberton – 14U Girls Doubles Winner

Noah Austen – 18U Boys Doubles Winner

Jackson Phillips – Deadly Award recipient

Sara Mohamed – Supervisor Award recipient

Tennis West Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Lead and WA Team Supervisor, Sara Mohamed, praised the group for their commitment, camaraderie, and spirit.

“Team WA has had an amazing week in Darwin at the NITC. The sportsmanship has been amazing and the teams from the other states and territories have been amazing as well with all participants socialising together so well.

“The atmosphere overall has been a big party and a huge celebration. A big thanks goes to all the supervisors and to Tennis NT for putting a lot of work into this event and all member associations for bringing their teams together.”

WA Team 2025 

Showdown 

Jackson Phillips – Boys 18U

Alifaye Gidgup – Girls 18U

Alexis Holberton – Girls 14U

Emily-Rose McMahon – Girls 14U

Future Stars 

From the thrill of match play to the joy of sharing stories, Team WA embodied the true spirit of the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival — proving that when tennis and culture come together, the results are nothing short of powerful.

Tennis West congratulates all players, families, and supporters who made the journey, and thanks Tennis NT and all member associations for bringing this unique event to life once again.