World No.9 Alex de Minaur and Olympic gold medalist Matthew Ebden have been named joint winners of the 2024 Newcombe Medal to round out stellar seasons.
The medal, named after former world No.1 John Newcombe, was presented at Melbourne's Crown Palladium on Monday night.
A terrific showing in January's United Cup representing Australia saw de Minaur claim a maiden victory over Novak Djokovic, cracking into the top-10 for the first time in his career.
The 25-year-old became the first Australian male since Lleyton Hewitt in 2005 to reach three straight Grand Slam quarter-finals in a calendar year at the French Open, Wimbledon and US Open and soared to a career-high ranking of No.6 in July.
Despite a freak hip injury suffered at the All England Club ruling him out of competitive action for three months, de Minaur did enough to qualify for his first Nitto ATP Finals event in Turin, the first Australian to do so since Hewitt 20 years ago.
It marks the Sydneysider's third Newcombe Medal, having also won the top individual honour in 2018.
Due to winning the UTS Showdown event in London overnight, de Minaur wasn't present at the awards night to collect his medal. However, he did send a video from afar.
“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.”
Ebden’s year was just as spectacular, reaching the summit of men’s doubles with the No.1 ranking after securing the Australian Open doubles crown alongside Rohan Bopanna.
Yet, it was his achievement at the Paris Olympics that was the main highlight.
He along with John Peers became the first Aussies to claim gold at an Olympic tennis event since Tood Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde in 1996.
Ebden was in attendance at Australian tennis’ night of nights, expressing his gratitude to those around him.
“Firstly, congratulations to Alex. Him reaching the top-10 in singles is an incredible effort. I think thought Thommo [Thompson] deserved this award probably just like the others. I couldn’t be up here without my doubles partner, Peersy,” Ebden said.
“My wife travelling with me with a baby for two years, travelling with me for 12 years, all my coaches, mentors, everyone who’s given me advice, Davis Cup captains, I wouldn’t be here without any of you.
“I’m super humbled and proud to win this award, so thank you.
“We have one more really big goal to achieve and win that Davis Cup for Australia again so we’ll push for that again next year.”
The other five nominees for the prestigious accolade included Alexei Popyrin, Jordan Thompson, Max Purcell, Olivia Gadecki and doubles specialist Peers.
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