Melbourne, 5 December 2011 | tennis.com.au
Clubs, coaches, athletes, schools, tournaments and volunteers have all been celebrated at the second annual Newcombe Medal, Australian Tennis Awards.
Newcombe Medalist Sam Stosur said that it was great occasion for the tennis community.
“This night is a very special occasion for the whole Australian Tennis community, and it’s a fantastic opportunity to get everyone together in one place to celebrate our sport.
“I am so happy that we now take the time to recognise all those who are doing their best for Australian tennis, now and in the past, as well as those working on the development of our sport for the future,” Stosur continued.
Wimbledon junior champions Ash Barty and Luke Saville were obvious choices for the Junior Athlete of the Year awards.
For Barty it’s the second year in a row that the 15-year-old Queenslander has picked up this award. As well as picking up the Wimbledon girls’ singles title, Barty also won the Optus 18s Australian Championships, led the Australian Junior Fed Cup team to victory earlier in the year and is the No.3 ranked junior in the world.
A finalist at the Australian Open boys’ championships, a winner at The All England Club and the 2011 Optus 18s Australian Championships title were the high points in a big year for blooming South Australian Luke Saville.
Dave Taylor made it back-to-back wins in the Coaching Excellence – High Performance category. Taylor is Australia’s Fed Cup captain and Newcombe Medal winner Sam Stosur’s coach.
Also winning for the second year in a row was the McDonald’s Burnie International, which scooped the Most Outstanding Tournament award.
Other winners included:
Coaching Excellence – Club: Peter Owen
Coaching Excellence – MLC Tennis Hot Shots: Wesley Horskins
Excellence in Officiating: Donna Kelso
Most Outstanding 35+ Tennis Senior: Glenn Busby
Most Outstanding Athlete with a Disability: Kelly Wren
Most Outstanding Club: Sale Tennis Club
Most Outstanding School: Middle Years Tennis Schools at Box Hill Secondary College
Volunteer Achievement Award: Tom Hancy
Most Outstanding Tennis Community: Tennis Gove
