Alex de Minaur’s breakout year wasn’t enough to claim the Newcombe Medal outright, with the world No. 9 sharing Australian tennis’ top honor with doubles star Matt Ebden.
It came after De Minaur was crowned UTS London champion, beating Holger Rune at the Copper Box Arena and pocketing a whopping $1.2 million.
The 25-year-old star won his third player of the year crown, and second in a row, on Monday night in Melbourne, while Ebden received the award for the first time.
She reached the second week of each Slam, including the quarterfinals of the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open, and rose to No. 6 in the world.
De Minaur overcame a career-ending hip injury at Wimbledon and affected the rest of his year to become the first Australian since Lleyton Hewitt in 2004 to qualify for the elite eight-man ATP Finals.
He was also the first Australian since Hewitt in 2005 to achieve three big quarters in a calendar year.
Alex de Minaur has closed out his year in style, winning $1.2 million at the UTS London event.
De Minaur was also awarded Australian tennis’ highest accolade, winning the Newcombe Medal alongside Australian star Matt Ebden (pictured).
Ebden, 37, won the Australian Open doubles title with Rohan Bopanna, reached the world number one doubles ranking and, with John Peers, won Olympic doubles gold in Paris.
“I am very proud and happy to win the Newcombe Medal again and I want to say how much I appreciate it and also to be able to share it with Matt,” de Minaur said in a statement from London.
“It has been an incredible year for Australian tennis and I am very happy to be a part of it.
“Let’s all fight to have an even better year in 2025.”
De Minaur shared the award with Ash Barty in 2018, while he won the overall medal last year.
Alexei Popyrin is undoubtedly the unlucky one who missed it.
The 25-year-old became the first Australian since Hewitt in 2003 to capture a Masters 1000 title, when he claimed glory in Montreal.
Popyrin also defeated Novak Djokovic at the US Open and is approaching the top 20 in the world.
Ebden has also enjoyed a stellar year, winning gold in Paris alongside doubles partner John Peers.
Ebden, pictured with partner Kim, won the Australian Open doubles title with Rohan Bopanna and reached the world number one doubles ranking.
De Miñaur (pictured) and Ebden won the award ahead of Alexei Popyrin, Jordan Thompson, Peers, Max Purcell and Olivia Gadecki.
De Minaur and Ebden won the award, named after tennis great John Newcombe, ahead of Popyrin, Jordan Thompson, Peers, Max Purcell and Olivia Gadecki.
“Alex and Matt have made the entire Australian tennis community incredibly proud, not only with their outstanding achievements, but also with the passion, resilience and determination they have shown throughout the year,” Newcombe said.
‘Alex’s rise to the world’s top 10 is a remarkable achievement and a true reflection of his tireless work ethic and ability to overcome challenges.
“Watching him grow as a player and push the limits 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 representing Australia in the Davis Cup, is a testament to his exceptional skill and character.
“His contributions exemplify the best of Australian tennis values and traditions.”
Samantha Stosur presented long-time official Pam Whytcross with the prestigious Spirit of Tennis award.
The evening also included a tribute to tennis legend Neale Fraser, who died last week.