10 December 2024 | Tennis West

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

Marking his fifth nomination and first win, 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 semis at Roland Garros, before teaming up with John Peers to win men’s doubles gold at the Paris Olympics. 

Ebden and Peers became the first Australians to win tennis gold since ‘the Woodies’, Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde, in Atlanta 1996. 

“Firstly, congratulations to Alex. Him reaching the top 10 in singles is an incredible effort. I thought Thommo 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. 

“It seems like one for Australia. Like Alex said, I think nearly every nominee deserved to win this award. 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.” 

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. 

“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). 

Ebden and 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. 

Ebden wasn’t the only West Aussie to win an award with high perfformance coach James Connelly from Make Your Mark Tennis Perth crowned the winner of the Coaching Excellence – Development Award.

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. 

Winner of the 2024 Newcombe Medal Matt Ebden with John Newcombe at the 2024 Newcombe Medal, Australian Tennis Awards at Crown Towers on Monday, December 9, 2024. Photo by TENNIS AUSTRALIA/FIONA HAMILTON