Purcell scores first Newcombe Medal nomination

Max Purcell is one of seven players in contention to win the prestigious Newcombe Medal at the 2022 Australian Tennis Awards.


Saturday 10 December 2022
Leigh Rogers
Melbourne, Australia
LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 27: Max Purcell of Australia looks on against Adrian Mannarino of France during the Men's Singles First Round match during Day One of The Championships Wimbledon 2022 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on June 27, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Max Purcell is nominated for the coveted Newcombe Medal for the first time.

The 24-year-old enjoyed an exceptional 2022 season on the doubles court, advancing to two Grand Slam finals.

After recording a runner-up finish at the Australian Open alongside Matt Ebden, the Aussie combination went one better to claim the doubles crown at Wimbledon.

Purcell's first Grand Slam title proved an historic run, with the duo becoming the first champions in the tournament's grand history to save match points in multiple matches.

Earlier in the season, Purcell claimed his first ATP doubles title at a clay-court event in Houston (also with Ebden).

He achieved a career-high ranking of world No.25 in April, then finished the season at world No.33 and as the youngest player inside the world's top 50.

Purcell also made his Davis Cup debut during an unforgettable season and played an important role in Australia's progression to a first final in 19 years.

"For sure, it's been my most successful year," Purcell reflected. "Another Slam final and then a Slam win, getting selected in Davis Cup, also playing ATP Cup at the start of the year for Australia and going on to make finals in Davis Cup.

"I made the tough decision to stick with more doubles this year again, but I was fine with that because I'd do anything for Australia and the Davis Cup team.

"From next year, I'm hoping to make more of a push in singles and leave doubles for the Grand Slams and for when Australia needs me at Davis Cup."

Purcell is one of seven nominees for the prestigious Newcombe Medal in 2022, alongside Ash Barty, Alex de Minaur, Matt Ebden, Storm Hunter (nee Sanders), Nick Kyrgios and Ajla Tomljanovic.

The winner will be announced at the Australian Tennis Awards on Monday 12 December.

Newcombe MedalHonour roll
YearWinner
2021Ash Barty and Dylan Alcott
2020Not presented
2019Ash Barty
2018Ash Barty and Alex de Minaur
2017Ash Barty
2016Dylan Alcott
2015Sam Groth
2014Nick Kyrgios
2013Lleyton Hewitt
2012Sam Stosur
2011Sam Stosur
2010Sam Stosur

> READ: Australian Tennis Awards 2022 finalists revealed

Book online, play today: Visit play.tennis.com.au to get out on court and have some fun!