Tennis is a tough sport. You can have 2 fierce competitors, but eventually only one has to win as a draw is not possible. This is what has NOT happened during the presentation of the Newcombe Medal since the judges could not split Alex De Minaur and Ashleigh Barty.
Both players are leading the Australian contingent in their tour (ATP and WTA) after an impressive year.
De Minaur
Starting as the world no. 208, in 2018 Alex has reached the final in 3 events (Sydney, Washington, and the Next Gen Finals) and he impressed for his speed and work ethic (the latter has been missing from some time at the very top of the Australian players in the ATP Tour). Alex is currently no.31.
“This is something I definitely did not expect,” de Minaur commented. “It’s been a whirlwind of a year. I’ve enjoyed every second of it. I’ve just tried to keep improving each day, keep battling it out, keep fighting every single point. I’m super proud of my efforts.”
Barty
At 22 years of age, Ashleigh managed to come back on the tour after taking some time off to win the title in Nottingham and reach the final in Sydney.
Why De Minaur and Barty made history?
This is the first time in 9 years of the Newcombe Medal that the top honor was shared.
The #Newks18 winners with their medals at the NTC this morning. 2018 was one for the books 👏 🏅 pic.twitter.com/DDnreSrVSV
— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) November 27, 2018
What a year! Thank you 2018. Cheers, Alex 🥂 pic.twitter.com/KGlqQYnSL7
— Ash Barty (@ashbar96) November 26, 2018
Having helped @Simona_Halep attain her first Grand Slam trophy and second year-end No.1, @darren_cahill solidified himself as one of the best coaches in world sport. A legend in every sense of the word. #Newks18 pic.twitter.com/mF7T2yXwGl
— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) November 26, 2018
When asked about her legacy when she hung up the racquet, Casey said: “Being authentic. Being who I am.”
Not just a top-ranked player and mentor but an inspiration – congratulations and thank you, @caseydellacqua. #Newks18 pic.twitter.com/KWnFEdAH2d
— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) November 26, 2018
82-years-old and showing no signs of slowing down! Peter is currently ranked number 11 on the ITF seniors tour and has represented Australia on 21 different occasions since 1982. #Newks18 pic.twitter.com/4xTmu5lcAU
— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) November 26, 2018
Hats off to @TennisCanberra. With world-class facilities on offer for the next generation of top tennis players, the 2017 Apis Canberra International is leading the way for tournaments on the Australian Pro Tour. #Newks18 pic.twitter.com/MgkGUZZDNV
— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) November 26, 2018
The future is bright for Rinky, who has been the top-ranked junior in his age group for the past five years. Let’s wish him well for continued success in 2019! #Newks18 pic.twitter.com/UXtRPEnJqa
— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) November 26, 2018
Back-to-back!@destaneeaiava kicked off 2018 competing in her second #AusOpen and won her first ITF title on international soil in Osaka, Japan. Well done, Destanee. #Newks18 pic.twitter.com/bVR5U0NT8M
— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) November 26, 2018
Talent. Determination. Sacrifice.
We congratulate four-time @INASsport world champion Archie Graham for his dominance in tennis. #Newks18 pic.twitter.com/PYoIjxR7Ip
— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) November 26, 2018
Congratulations to Simon Cannavan for his terrific contribution to tennis around the globe. Simon is one of an Elite Group of tennis officials recognised as an International Silver Chair Umpire by @ITF_Tennis! #Newks18 pic.twitter.com/T5TcccQGMm
— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) November 26, 2018
Winning this award in 2016, Stephen Thompson is a special coach who has excelled at nurturing the next generation of elite players for many years. His son, @jordanthommmo2, is one of Australia’s rising stars. Well done, Stephen! #Newks18 pic.twitter.com/5jB5czaYrm
— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) November 26, 2018
Hats off to Casuarina Street Primary School for providing amazing tennis pathways to its students in Northern Territory, including the promotion of @ANZ_AU #TennisHotShots. #Newks18 pic.twitter.com/LgI7EzSuek
— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) November 26, 2018
Congrats to our first #Newks18 award winner – Adon Kronk! In just 18 months, Adon increased junior coaching numbers and elite squads at Mooloolaba Tennis Club, and brought back club championships for the first time in years. pic.twitter.com/dMwcecbKsr
— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) November 26, 2018
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REAL AUSTRALIAN SPIRIT?
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