19 November 2024 | Tennis SA

South Australia is proudly represented by four exceptional finalists at the 2024 Newcombe Medal, Australian Tennis Awards, highlighting the state’s dedication and excellence across all levels of the sport.

The prestigious Australian Tennis Awards will celebrate the contributions and achievements of tennis clubs, volunteers, coaches, officials, schools, and junior players across 13 award categories. The awards ceremony will take place at the Palladium Crown in Melbourne on Monday, 9 December.

Among the nominees, Damian McGee has been named a finalist for the Volunteer Achievement Award, while Prospect Tennis Club is vying for the title of Most Outstanding Tennis Club or Venue.

The state also sees double the recognition for its Blind and Low Vision community, with the SA School and Services for Vision Impaired nominated for Most Outstanding School, and the SA Blind and Low Vision Tennis Program in the running for Most Outstanding Inclusion Initiative.

“We are absolutely thrilled to congratulate our four exceptional finalists for the 2024 Newcombe Medal,” said Debbie Sterrey, Tennis SA CEO.

“These finalists embody the very best of Australian tennis. Their dedication, passion, and outstanding achievements throughout the year make them shining ambassadors for our sport. Their selection is a testament to their hard work and commitment to excellence, both on and off the court.”

“We wish them all the very best of luck and look forward to celebrating their remarkable contributions to the game.”

South Australian finalists for the 2024 Newcombe Medal, Australian Tennis Awards:

Most Outstanding School
SA School and Services for Vision Impaired

Most Outstanding Inclusion Initiative
SA Blind and Low Vision Tennis Program

Volunteer Achievement Award
Damian McGee

Most Outstanding Tennis Club or Venue presented by Howden
Prospect Tennis Club

Past South Australian award winners at the Newcombe Medal, Australian Tennis Awards:

2023
Torrens Valley Christian School (Most Outstanding School)
Golden Grove Tennis Club (Most Outstanding Tennis Club or venue)
Alicia Molik (Spirit of Tennis Award)

2022
David Grainger (Coaching Excellence – Club)
Robyn Tucker (Excellence in Officiating)
Edward Winter (Junior Athlete of the Year – Male)
Julie Polkinghorne (Volunteer Achievement Award)

2021
Domenic Marafiote (Coaching Excellence – Club)
Sam Wall (Coaching Excellence Development)
Cobdogla Primary School (Most Outstanding School) 

2020
Event not held due to COVID pandemic

2019
Darren Wunderer (Volunteer Achievement Award)
Elizabeth North Primary School (Most Outstanding School)
City of Playford Tennis International (Most Outstanding Professional Tournament)

2018
Henley South Tennis Club (Most Outstanding Club)
Darren Cahill (Coaching Excellence – High Performance)
John Pick (Volunteer Achievement Award)

2017
Helen Rice (Coaching Excellence – Club)

2014
Thanasi Kokkinakis (Junior Athlete of the Year – Male)

2013
Lleyton Hewitt (Newcombe Medal)
David Grainger (Coaching Excellence – Hot Shots Tennis)

2012
Luke Saville (Junior Athlete of the Year – Male)

2011
Luke Saville (Junior Athlete of the Year – Male)
Lleyton Hewitt (President’s Spirit of Tennis Award)