Tennis Australia Press Release, December 12, 2023
World No.12 and No.1-ranked Australian men’s singles player Alex de Minaur (NSW) has claimed his second Newcombe Medal at Australian Tennis Awards.
This was the fourth Newcombe Medal nomination for De Minaur, who previously shared the prestigious award alongside Ash Barty in 2018.
It is a deserving win for De Minaur, with the 24-year-old reaching a career-high singles ranking of world No.11 in 2023. The top-ranked Australian is in career-best form and knocking on the door of the top 10 in the lead up to his home Grand Slam, the Australian Open.
De Minaur won his seventh ATP Tour title overall and first at ATP 500 level at the Mexican Open in March and achieved his 200th career win last month.
The patriotic De Minaur produced some of his best tennis wearing the green and gold, playing a starring role in Australia’s second consecutive Davis Cup finals appearance. This included a stirring comeback victory from the brink of elimination in the quarterfinal showdown against Czech Republic.
Speaking from Spain, the Newcombe Medal winner reflected on his year upon receiving the prestigious award at the 13th annual awards ceremony at Crown Palladium.
“I’m very sad that I wasn’t able to attend the Newcombe Medal this year and I’m extremely grateful for this amazing award,” De Minaur said in a video message.
“It’s been a great year, not only for myself, but for all of Australian tennis and I think we should (all be) very proud indeed.”
Expressing his gratitude in receiving the award, named in honour of Australian tennis legend John Newcombe, De Minaur thanked the award namesake especially.
“(I) would also like to thank Newk. Wish I could shake your hand right now and be there, but I appreciate everything you do for Australian tennis.”
De Minaur won from a field of six deserving nominees, which included Matt Ebden (WA), Rinky Hijikata (NSW), Storm Hunter (WA), Alexei Popyrin (NSW) and Max Purcell (NSW).
Alicia Molik was awarded the Spirit of Tennis Award, presented by Jayne Hrdlicka for her incredible contribution to the sport, and following a decade serving as captain of the Australian Billie Jean King Cup team.
“I feel privileged and it’s pretty special from my perspective. It’s a pretty amazing sport that I’m involved in,” Molik said as she took to the stage to accept her award.
The 42-year-old former player has been an inspirational and popular leader of the Billie Jean Cup team over the past 10 years.
Molik’s tennis journey continues as she takes on a new challenge as the Adelaide International Tournament Director, a return to her home town for the new assignment, having taken up the sport in the South Australian capital before her ascent to world No.8 in singles and No.6 in doubles.
A Fed Cup representative from 1999, she went on to lead Australia to the Billie Jean King Cup final as captain in 2019 at Perth and 2022 in Glasgow.
The Newcombe Medal and Spirit of Tennis awards were presented alongside 12 Australian Tennis Awards, recognising players, coaches, clubs, communities, volunteers and officials for their service and commitment to the sport.
Charlie Camus (ACT) was named Male Junior Athlete of the Year, while Emerson Jones (Qld) and Taylah Preston (WA) shared the honours for Female Junior Athlete of the Year. This is 15-year-old Jones’ first Australian Tennis Award and a third consecutive award for Preston in this category, who has been awarded an Australian Open 2024 wildcard on the back of an outstanding year.
Archie Graham (Qld) was awarded Most Outstanding Athlete with a Disability, making it the third time he has won the award after winning in 2017 and 2018.
Newcombe Medal, Australian Tennis Award winners:
Newcombe Medal
Alex de Minaur (NSW)
Spirit of Tennis Award
Alicia Molik (WA)
Coaching Excellence – Club
Tina Keown (Vic)
Coaching Excellence – Development
Antonie Vermaak (Vic)
Coaching Excellence – Performance
Mark Draper (Qld)
Excellence in Officiating
Glenn Toland (NSW)
Female Junior Athlete of the Year
Emerson Jones (Qld)
Taylah Preston (WA)
Male Junior Athlete of the Year
Charlie Camus (ACT)
Most Outstanding Athlete with a Disability
Archie Graham (Qld)
Most Outstanding School
Torrens Valley Christian School (SA)
Most Outstanding Tennis Club
Golden Grove Tennis Club (SA)
Most Outstanding 30+ Tennis Master
Ros Balodis (ACT)
Brendon Lee Moore (NSW)
Most Outstanding Tournament
2023 Queensland Head State Age (Qld)
Volunteer Achievement Award
Brendon Oliver-Ewen (Tas)
