Tennis NSW is proud to celebrate six outstanding members of our tennis community who have been named finalists for the 2025 Newcombe Medal, Australian Tennis Awards.
The prestigious awards night will be held on Monday 8 December at Crown Palladium, Melbourne, honouring excellence, dedication, and achievement across the sport. Now in its fifteenth year, the Newcombe Medal remains the highest accolade in Australian tennis.
This year, NSW will be represented across six categories:
2025 Newcombe Medal – Alex de Minaur
Australia’s top-ranked player, Alex de Minaur, continued his momentum in 2025 with another remarkable season. Qualifying for the ATP Finals for a second straight year, de Minaur reached the semifinals for the first time. He also secured his 10th career title in Washington and delivered consistent deep runs in Shanghai, Paris, and Vienna, finishing the regular season with an impressive 55 match wins.
This marks his sixth Newcombe Medal nomination.
“It’s an amazing honour to be nominated for the prestigious Newcombe Medal for the sixth time. I am extremely proud of the year I’ve had and I’m grateful to be recognised alongside my fellow nominees. Wishing everyone the best of luck,” de Minaur said.
Junior Athlete of the Year – Male: Cruz Hewitt
Cruz Hewitt enjoyed a breakout year on the ITF Junior Tour, climbing to World No.58 after reaching a career-high of No.40 in May. His season featured two finals appearances (Nonthaburi J300 and Kuala Lumpur J200) and a quarterfinal run in Kuching. Notably, he was the only Australian male to compete in all four Junior Grand Slams in 2025, demonstrating his consistency and rapid development on the global stage.
Junior Athlete of the Year – Female: Renee Alame
Renee Alame delivered an exceptional 12 months, rising to a career-high ITF Junior ranking of 57 and maintaining a strong 63% win rate. She secured the J100 Canberra title—her third ITF Junior crown—and produced standout results at the J200 Miki and J300 Nonthaburi events. Her growth, resilience, and competitive drive continue to shine through in every performance.
Most Outstanding School: Forbes Public School
Forbes Public School has been recognised for its inclusive and high-impact tennis program. With tennis embedded in the PDHPE curriculum, all 350 students— including students with disabilities, EAL learners, and 30% Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students—actively participate. Strong coaching, community partnerships, and an emphasis on pathways have contributed to impressive performances in competitions such as the Todd Woodbridge Cup and PSSA Knockouts.
Volunteer Achievement Award: Kirsty Cole
Kirsty Cole has reshaped Scone Hardcourt Tennis Association through visionary leadership and tireless volunteer commitment. Over the past five years, she has been instrumental in Scone securing more than $1.86 million in government grants, enabling major facility upgrades and the creation of a welcoming, accessible venue. Her focus on participation, equity, and sustainability has strengthened the club and community, setting a new standard for volunteer excellence.
Most Outstanding Club or Venue, presented by Howden: Collaroy Tennis Club
Collaroy Tennis Club continues to lead the way in inclusivity, competition, and community engagement. With membership continuing to grow, the club is a Tennis Australia Inclusion Development Hub offering programs for wheelchair athletes and individuals with intellectual or vision impairments, alongside strong LGBTQIA+ inclusion initiatives. High participation across competitions and school programs reflects the club’s vibrant culture and impact.
Tennis New South Wales congratulates all six finalists and wishes them the very best ahead of the 2025 Australian Tennis Awards. Their dedication, passion, and achievements continue to inspire our entire tennis community.
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