10 December 2024 | Tennis SA

The prestigious Australian Tennis Awards celebrated the contributions and achievements of tennis clubs, volunteers, coaches, officials, schools, and junior players across 13 award categories on a global scale.

South Australia was proudly represented by four exceptional finalists on the night, highlighting the state’s dedication and excellence across all levels of the sport. Damian McGee, SA Blind and Low Vision Tennis Program, Prospect Tennis Club, and SA School and Services for Vision Impaired were each recognised for their outstanding contributions in the last 12 months.

The SA Blind and Low Vision Tennis Program were victorious as they took home the title in the Most Outstanding Inclusion Initiative category.

“It means an amazing amount to win it on a national level, it’s a testament to the playing community back home and the volunteers and organisations, “Nicholas Bradley said.

“There’s so many people passionate about this space and help grow it and has taught me so much and I am so grateful to them.” Bradley added.

Damian McGee was crowned winner of the Volunteer Achievement category, an honour that highlights his outstanding dedication and contributions to community service as the President of Gawler and Districts Tennis Association.

“I’m feeling absolutely humbled to win this award”, said Damian McGee.  

“It’s a great award for recognition that our committee has done at the Gawler and Districts Tennis Association. Our committee are so hard working, and this is great for them and for tennis” McGee said.

South Australian born Darren Cahill was also celebrated on the evening as he claimed the award for Coaching Excellence – Performance, recognizing his exceptional role in Jannik Sinner’s growth over the past year.

Cahill’s expertise and guidance were instrumental in helping Sinner secure his first Grand Slam title at the 2024 Australian Open, along with a career-high ATP ranking. His coaching has been pivotal in shaping Sinner’s success on the court, guiding him through key moments of the year and helping him elevate his game to new levels.

“We are so excited to have celebrated our finalists and winners at the Newcombe Medal, Australian Tennis Awards,” Tennis SA CEO Debbie Sterrey said.

“This is a wonderful result, and we couldn’t be more proud to congratulate Damian McGee, Prospect Tennis Club, SA School and Services for Vision Impaired and the SA Blind and Low Vision Tennis Program on their success” Sterrey added.

The 2024 Newcombe Medal, Australian Tennis Award winners: 

Coaching Excellence – Club 

Benjamin McLachlan (NT) 

Most Outstanding School 

Holy Trinity Primary School (ACT) 

Junior Athlete of the Year – Male 

Hayden Jones (Qld) 

Junior Athlete of the Year – Female 

Maya Joint (Qld) 

Emerson Jones (Qld) 

Coaching Excellence – Development

James Connelly (WA) 

Excellence in Officiating 

Matthew Kellert (NSW) 

Volunteer Achievement Award 

Damian McGee (SA) 

Most Outstanding Athlete with a Disability 

Ross Patterson (Tas) 

Most Outstanding Tournament

Margaret Court Cup – Albury Tennis Association (NSW) 

Most Outstanding Club, presented by Howden 

Melba Tennis Club (ACT) 

Most Outstanding 30+ Tennis Master 

Glenn Busby (Vic) 

Coaching Excellence – Performance 

Darren Cahill (SA)

Most Outstanding Inclusion Initiative

SA Blind and Low Vision Tennis Program (SA)