13 September 2024 | Tennis Victoria

Most Outstanding Athlete with a Disability

With four new finalists in the Most Outstanding Athlete with a Disability category at the upcoming Tennis Victoria Player Awards, a new name is set to be added to the Honors List.

Congratulations to Caroline Lane, Finn Broadbent, Luke Missen and Tyler McPherson who were recently announced as this years finalists.

This award recognises outstanding athletes with a disability who have a record playing for Australia or Victoria and have improved their ranking or sustained a Top 20 ranking during the nomination period. These athletes display a commendable attitude on and off the court and have complied with all rules and conducts set by Tennis Australia.

 

Meet the finalists:   

 

Caroline Lane – Blind & Low Vision Tennis

An impressive 2024 by Caroline has resulted in Wins in the 2024 Australian Blind & Low Vision Tennis Championships (B2-3 Women’s Singles), 2024 Queensland Blind & Low Vision Open (B2/B3 Women’s Singles) and the 2024 Victorian Blind & Low Vision Open (B3 Women’s Singles).

Caroline was also a finalist in three other events, highlighting the consistent performances deserving of this finalist recognition. Caroline is currently ranked No. 1 in the B3 Women’s Singles.

 

Finn Broadbent – Wheelchair Tennis

Wheelchair athlete Finn Broadbent made his Australian Open debut in 2024 and also represented Australia at the BNP Paribas World Team Cup in 2024 alongside fellow Victorian Heath Davidson.

The 23-year-old reached No. 27 in the ITF Quad Singles Rankings in July off the back of making the final of the Queensland Wheelchair Open Junior Grade A, and strong performances at the Commit Open and Camozzi Open in Italy and the Brisbane Wheelchair Classic.

 

Luke Missen – Para-Standing Tennis

Luke Missen won the PST-4 category in the Oceania Para-Standing Tennis Championships in January 2024. Para standing Tennis is for people with physical disabilities who want to play tennis without using a wheelchair.

Luke has a strong sporting background in soccer, badminton and basketball and has quickly showed his strength on the tennis court. Luke is also a Tennis Australia Trainee Coach member.

 

Tyler McPherson – PWII Tennis

Tyler won the 2023 Victorian State Championships in October 2023, defending his 2022 title. He is currently ranked No. 7 in the II-1 Singles Rankings and No. 11 in Doubles.

Tyler has shown consistent performances across multiple tournaments in both singles and doubles, including the NANDM ID and Autism events throughout the year.

 

When the winner is announced on Sunday 20 October at Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club, who will join the list of athletes below? If you’d like to attend the Tennis Victoria Player Awards, a limited number of tickets are available now.

 

Previous Winners:

2022/23 – Heath Davidson
2021/22 – Heath Davidson
2020/21 – Olivia Sayers & Riley Dumsday
2018/19 – Dylan Alcott
2017/18 – Carla Lenarduzzi
2016/17 – Heath Davidson & Dylan Alcott
2015/16 – Dylan Alcott
2014/15 – Dylan Alcott
2013/14 – Dylan Alcott
2012/13 – Glen Flindell
2011/12 – Zvi Schweitzer