Tennis Australia Press Release, December 9, 2024

Alex de Minaur and Matt Ebden were crowned joint winners of the 2024 Newcombe Medal at the Australian Tennis Awards, in Melbourne, celebrating their outstanding achievements on the global stage this year.

Claiming his third Newcombe Medal, de Minaur, the world No.9 and Australia’s top-ranked singles player, delivered a career-best season in 2024. He hit a career-high ranking of world No.6, claimed titles in Acapulco and ‘s-Hertogenbosch, reached three consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinals, and became the first Australian singles player to qualify for the ATP Finals in 20 years.

Ebden capped off what he called ‘a dream year’, that started with a Grand Slam title at the Australian Open and reaching world No.1 in doubles. Ebden went on to win the Miami Masters 1000 and reached the semifinals at Roland Garros, before teaming up with John Peers to win men’s doubles gold at the Paris Olympics. They became the first Australians to win tennis gold since ‘the Woodies’, Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde, in Atlanta 1996.

“It’s a bit surreal, to be honest. I’ve been nominated a few times over the years and never thought I’d actually win,” said Ebden.

“I am proud and happy because I look back on the year and honestly, I put everything out there at all times and was able to get some great achievements.

”It’s hard to digest and reflect on all the great things that have been happening this year. I’m just super grateful that they’ve happened. To cap it off with this award, and to be recognised, not just for this year, but I feel for 20 years of hard work and just improving little bit by little bit over all the years, it’s probably led me to this.”

Speaking in a video from London, de Minaur reflected on a groundbreaking year for Australian tennis.

“I’m so proud and happy to win the Newcombe Medal award again, and want to say how much I appreciate it, and also being able to share it with Matt,” he said.

“It’s been an incredible year for Australian tennis and I’m just so happy to be part of it. I’d like to congratulate Matt, who’s done amazing things this year, and his team – the Olympic gold medal was a highlight, as well as all the other nominees tonight.

“I’d like to thank Tennis Australia, John Newcombe and everyone who has made this possible. Let’s all fight to have an even better year in 2025.”

John Newcombe was full of praise for de Minaur, Ebden and all the Newcombe Medal nominees.

“Alex and Matt have made the entire Australian tennis community incredibly proud, not just with their outstanding achievements, but with the passion, resilience, and determination they’ve shown all year,” Newcombe said.

“Alex’s rise into the world’s top 10 is a remarkable accomplishment and a true reflection of his tireless work ethic and ability to overcome challenges. Watching him grow as a player and push the boundaries of his potential has been nothing short of inspiring. 

“Matt’s extraordinary success in doubles, highlighted by a Grand Slam victory and his historic run to Olympic gold, along with his unwavering commitment to represent Australia in Davis Cup, is a testament to his exceptional skill and character. Their contributions exemplify the very best of Australian tennis values and traditions.” 

De Minaur and Ebden emerged as joint winners from a field of exceptional nominees, which included Alexei Popyrin (NSW), Jordan Thompson (NSW), John Peers (WA), Max Purcell (NSW) and Olivia Gadecki (Qld).

Grand Slam champion Samantha Stosur presented long-standing official Pam Whytcross with the prestigious Spirit of Tennis Award in recognition of her incredible contributions to Australian tennis, both on and off the court.

“The amazing Pam Whytcross has quite literally dedicated her life to tennis,” said Stosur, who herself won the Spirit of Tennis Award in 2019.

“From her days as a player, winning titles and a doubles finalist at the Australian Open, to her decades-long career with the WTA, she has been a tireless pillar of this sport for more than 50 years. 

“Pam’s dedication, kindness and unwavering commitment to tennis have made an indelible mark on this sport and on all of us who’ve had the privilege to know her,” Stosur continued.

As a trailblazer in tennis, Whytcross has inspired countless players, officials and fans throughout her remarkable 50+ year-career. Her lifelong dedication to the sport includes a professional playing career, including being in the room for the historic forming of the WTA in 1973.

“It’s been a long time that I’ve been on the road and played the game,” said Whytcross.

“I had passion for the game, I had love for the game so I became a WTA supervisor. I took a hiatus for a few years because I’d been travelling for 25 years but I’ve loved every minute of it, it’s been my life.”

Matt Ebden and John Peers were also acknowledged for their spectacular Olympic Gold medal win in Paris, by Newcombe Medal host Todd Woodbridge, who with Mark Woodforde, won gold in Atlanta in 1996 and silver at the Sydney Olympics in 2000.

A special video tribute to Australian tennis legend Neale Fraser, who passed away last week, was one of the most moving moments of the night.

The Newcombe Medal and Spirit of Tennis Award were presented alongside 13 Australian Tennis Awards, celebrating the achievements and contributions of players, coaches, clubs, volunteers, officials, and communities.

The 2024 Newcombe Medal, Australian Tennis Award winners: 

Coaching Excellence – Club 

Benjamin McLachlan (NT)

Most Outstanding School 

Holy Trinity Primary School (ACT)

Junior Athlete of the Year – Male 

Hayden Jones (Qld)

Junior Athlete of the Year – Female 

Maya Joint (Qld)

Emerson Jones (Qld)

Coaching Excellence – Development

James Connelly (WA)

Excellence in Officiating 

Matthew Kellert (NSW)

Volunteer Achievement Award 

Damian McGee (SA)

Most Outstanding Athlete with a Disability 

Ross Patterson (Tas)

Most Outstanding Tournament

Margaret Court Cup – Albury Tennis Association (NSW)

Most Outstanding Club, presented by Howden 

Melba Tennis Club (ACT)

Most Outstanding 30+ Tennis Master 

Glenn Busby (Vic)

Coaching Excellence – Performance 

Darren Cahill (SA)

Most Outstanding Inclusion Initiative

SA Blind and Low Vision Tennis Program (SA)