Two of Australia’s most promising tennis players are hoping to rise further up the rankings in the new year after receiving their country’s top honor at an annual award ceremony.
Ashleigh Barty and Alex de Minaur have been awarded the Newcombe Medal this year. The Newcombe Medal is an annual award given to Australian players in recognition of their performance, achievements and contributions throughout the season. For the first time in its nine-year history, two players share the prize after judges couldn’t decide between Barty and Minaur. Two players who have reached career ranking highs this season.
“To be able to share it with Alex is even more special,” Barty told Tennis Australia.
“I think we’ve both had incredible years and now we’re gearing up to get into another Aussie summer and we’re excited to hopefully go big and play well in front of our home crowd.”
22-year-old Barty has won two WTA titles this season, including the season-ending WTA Elite Trophy, and is currently ranked 15th in the world. She also reached the fourth round of a grand slam for the first time at the US Open. Barty has also enjoyed success on the doubles circuit by claiming four trophies, including the US Open alongside Coco Vandeweghe. It is the second year in a row she has won the Newcombe medal.
On the men’s tour, de Minaur has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the rankings over the past 12 months. Jumping from No.208 to 31st in the world. Becoming the highest ranked male player in his country. De Minaur he finished runner-up three times in 2018 at tournaments in Sydney, Washington and the Next Gen Finals. The 19-year-old has also been named ATP newcomer of the year.
“It’s given me a real hunger for more,” said Minaur.
“The last couple of Slams I’ve been playing great tennis and I’ve been able to make third rounds. Now that’s definitely a goal – to push it a bit further, hopefully be able to beat some of these top guys and definitely try to make second week.
“But then again, just gonna take it day by day, and as long as I’m improving both on court and off the court, I’m a strong believer that the results will show.”
Big honours, big goals
What a year! Thank you 2018. Cheers, Alex 🥂 pic.twitter.com/KGlqQYnSL7
— Ash Barty (@ashbarty) November 26, 2018
The award ceremony took place just over a month before the Australian summer of tennis gets underway. For Barty, in the new year she will be hoping to close in on a place in the top 10 for the first time. Something that hasn’t been achieved by an Australian woman since Sam Stosur back in May 2013.
“Obviously the elusive top 10 is right there but it’s very simple for me: I really want to stay consistent.” She said.
“I want to prove I’m a top-15 player, possibly top 10.”
A place in the second week of the grand slams will be the main focus of rising star De Minaur. Earlier this season, he reached the third round of both Wimbledon and the US Open. Losing to Rafael Nadal and Marin Cilic respectively.
“That’s one of the goals,” the Australian Associated Press quoted him as saying.
“I played some great tennis this year, especially Wimbledon and the US Open, so I feel like the level’s there.
“I’ve been close against the top guys and now it’s time to learn from the mistakes I did against those guys and hopefully I can get over the line in those big matches going forward.”
De Minaur has also been tipped to rise further up the rankings but John Newcombe. The former player that the medal is named after. Newcombe won seven grand slam titles during the 1960s and 1970s.
“This kid’s something special. He’s just got something,” Newcombe said.
“He’s done a fantastic job this year and the top eight in the world is certainly there [for him] because he’s got a good brain, he’s got a great all-court game and he’s dedicated to improving himself.”
Barty will start the 2019 season at the Hopman Cup. Meanwhile, De Minaur will return to action at the Brisbane International. Both of those tournaments will take place during the first week of January.
The party continues. Hear from Newcombe Medal winners @ashbar96 and @alexdeminaur after their historic joint victory 🌟 #Newks18 pic.twitter.com/v3DQQsL7I6
— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) November 27, 2018
