23 October 2024 | Tennis Tasmania

The Most Outstanding Player with a Disability award recognises an athlete who has a record of playing for Australia or Tasmania and has an improved ranking or sustained a Top 20 ranking during the nomination period. They display a commendable attitude on and off the court and complied with all rules and conducts set by Tennis Australia. They have participated in two or more official tournaments, competitions or programs during the nomination period and are a permanent resident of Tasmania.

Congratulations to the 2024 finalists

Madelin Mazengarb

Madelin Mazengarb began wheelchair tennis after a spinal cord injury in December 2022. Training regularly since January 2023, she competed in her first ITF tournament in September 2023, winning her opening match and reaching the preliminary final. Currently with an ITF ranking of 135, and 4 in Australia, she has shown exceptional sportsmanship, commitment, and respect for fellow competitors and officials. Additionally, Madelin volunteered at the 2024 Hobart International and has assisted with coaching, reflecting her dedication to the sport and community.

Nick Heames

Nick Heames has actively participated in the PWII Victoria and Australian Championships, where he was honoured as a flag bearer at the opening ceremony. He competed in Tasmanian PWII and NSW events, winning the doubles championships in both. Nick has been selected to represent Tasmania in the Victorian Special Olympics and continues his weekly coaching lessons. He engages in numerous PWII tournaments and plays in a mixed social roster while facilitating practice sessions for interstate players and encouraging others to join events.

Ross Patterson

Ross Patterson has achieved World Number 1 rankings in the B4 category for both singles and doubles in Blind & Low Vision Tennis. Undefeated in B4 singles since 2021, he won dual gold medals at the 2023 IBSA World Games and multiple titles in 2024, including at the Vic Open and Australian Championships. Committed to supporting emerging players, Ross participated in the BLV Tennis events and coached at the Australian Open, demonstrating his dedication to developing the sport and its community.

Scott Crowden

Scott Crowden, a decorated player with a disability, has seen significant growth in his Universal Tennis Rating in the past 12 months. He has represented Tasmania at the Australian Disability Championships in Players with an Intellectual Impairment (PWII) events and is a former winner of the Tasmania Disability Championships in singles and doubles. Passionate about promoting disability tennis, Scott actively shares insights about tournaments and opportunities at the Burnie Tennis Club. His strong work ethic, commitment to improvement, and respect for event organisers highlights his dedication to the sport and its community.

Congratulations to the 2024 Most Outstanding Athlete with a Disability Ross Patterson