Alex de Minaur wraps up stellar year in style as he banks $1.2million with UTS London victory, and shares Aussie tennis’s top gong with Olympic gold medallist Matt Ebden
Alex de Minaur’s standout year was not enough to claim the Newcombe Medal, with the world number 9 sharing the top honor in Australian tennis with doubles player Matt Ebden.
It came after De Minaur was crowned UTS London champion, beating Holger Rune at the Copper Box Arena to earn a cool $1.2 million.
The 25-year-old star won his third player of the year crown in Melbourne on Monday night, and second on the bounce, while Ebden received the award for the first time.
He reached the second week of every slam, including the quarterfinals of the French Open, Wimbledon and US Open, and rose to No. 6 in the world.
De Minaur suffered a hip injury that ended his Wimbledon run and affected the rest of his year, becoming 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 major quarters in a calendar year.
Alex de Minaur ended his year in style, winning $1.2 million at the UTS London event
De Minaur was also awarded Aussie Tennis’ top gong, winning the Newcombe Medal alongside Australian star Matt Ebden (pictured)
Ebden, 37, won the Australian Open doubles title with Rohan Bopanna, reached the world No. 1 ranking in doubles and claimed Olympic doubles gold in Paris alongside John Peers.
“I am so proud and happy to have won the Newcombe Medal award again, and want to say how much I appreciate it, and that I can also share it with Matt,” de Minaur said in a statement from London.
“It’s been an incredible year for Australian tennis and I’m so happy to be a part of it.
‘Let’s all fight for an even better year in 2025.’
De Minaur shared the prize with Ash Barty in 2018, while he won the medal outright last year.
Alexei Popyrin may be the unlucky man to miss this.
The 25-year-old became the first Australian since Hewitt in 2003 to win a Masters 1000 title when he claimed glory in Montreal.
Popyrin also upset Novak Djokovic at the US Open and finishes in the top 20 in the world.
Ebden has also had a great year, winning gold in Paris together with doubles partner John Peers
Ebden, pictured with his partner Kim, won the Australian Open doubles title with Rohan Bopanna and reached the No. 1 ranking in doubles
De Minaur (photo) and Ebden won the prize 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 performances, but also with the passion, resilience and determination they have shown throughout the year,” Newcombe said.
“Alex’s rise into the world’s top 10 is a remarkable achievement and a true reflection of his tireless work ethic and ability to overcome challenges.
“It has been nothing short of inspiring to see him grow as a player and push the boundaries of his potential.
“Matt’s extraordinary success in doubles, culminating in a Grand Slam victory and his historic run to Olympic gold, together with his continued commitment to representing Australia in the Davis Cup, is a testament to his exceptional skills and character.
“Their contributions exemplify the very best of Australian tennis values and traditions.”
Samantha Stosur presented former official Pam Whytcross with the prestigious Spirit of Tennis Award.
The evening also included a tribute to tennis legend Neale Fraser, who passed away last week.