28 October 2025 | Tennis Victoria

The 2025 Tennis Victoria Player Awards took place on Sunday 26 October at Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club where members of the Victorian tennis community united to recognise the outstanding players of Victorian tennis from Tennis Victoria Pennant to the international stage.

Tennis Victoria’s CEO Kim Kachel was keen to celebrate the achievements of the award winners and finalists alongside the Victorian tennis community.

“To all our finalists and winners, congratulations on an outstanding year. Your achievements inspire the next generation of players and coaches, and we’re proud to celebrate your success through these awards. To our coaches, volunteers, officials, administrators, and everyone who dedicates their time and passion to the sport, thank you. Your commitment and contribution form the foundation upon which Victorian tennis continues to thrive. Looking ahead, we remain focused on growing the game, supporting our clubs and communities, and creating opportunities for every Victorian to experience the joy of tennis.”

In the athlete categories, Glenn Busby won the 30+ Tennis Master Award and Jin Woodman took home the Most Outstanding Athlete with a Disability. The Junior Athlete of the Year Awards were won by  Novak Palombo and Ava Beck and the Coaching  Excellence – Development award was awarded to Michael Logarzo from ML Tennis. 

John Peers was crowned the 2025 Victorian Player of the Year. John has continued his outstanding form on the international doubles circuit, building on the incredible momentum of last year’s major success at the Paris Olympics. Earlier this year, Peers once again showcased his class on home soil at the Australian Open, claiming the Mixed Doubles title with fellow Australian Olivia Gadecki. The pair enjoyed a remarkable campaign that culminated in an all-Aussie final, where they triumphed to secure the AO 2025 Mixed Doubles Trophy. This victory further cemented Peers’ reputation as one of Victoria’s, and Australia’s, most accomplished doubles champions.

The night also honoured the standout performers of Tennis Victoria Pennant and State Grade. The Pennant Players of the Year were announced, along with State Grade Team of the Year for both the Men’s and Women’s competition.

The Tennis Victoria Player Awards are aligned with the Australian Tennis Awards. Where applicable, winners of Victorian Awards are now eligible for nomination in the 2024 Newcombe Medal (Australian Tennis Awards).

We also took the opportunity to award the recipient of the Spirit of Tennis Award. This award recognises a person who has made a significant and valuable contribution to the advancement or popularity of the sport in any field, such as journalism, media, tournament management, general management at a national or state level, international management, supporting, coaching or playing. The Spirit of Tennis Award went to John McCurdy from Royal South Yarra Tennis Club.

John has dedicated decades to the sport always with a view to the growth and enrichment of Victorian tennis. Through his leadership, mentorship, and community involvement, he has embodied the true spirit of tennis.  John’s impact on Victorian tennis is profound and extends across multiple facets from player, coach, manager and administrator. He has played a pivotal role in enhancing access to the sport, promoting inclusivity, and nurturing a generation of players, coaches, and volunteers. His commitment extends beyond the court, he has championed programs that make tennis a cornerstone of community life in Victoria.

Click here to access images of the winners from the night. 

Full list of the 2025 Victorian Player Awards winners:

Victorian Player of the Year 

John Peers

Most Outstanding Athlete with a Disability 

Jinn Woodman

Junior Athlete of the Year – Male   

Novak Palombo

Junior Athlete of the Year – Female    

Ava Beck

Coaching Excellence – Development    

Michael Logarzo, ML Tennis

Most Outstanding 30+ Tennis Master    

Glenn Busby

 PENNANT PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Women’s State Grade 

Ruby Ward (Beaumaris Lawn Tennis Club)

Women’s Grade 1

Elizabeth Nad (Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club)

Women’s Grade 2

Rachel Pan (Box Hill Tennis Club)

Women’s Grade 3

Millie Batoni (Bulleen Tennis Club)

Women’s Grade 4

Tahlia Wheatley (Yarra Glen Tennis Club)

Women’s Grade 5

Eva Lamaris (Buckley Park Tennis Club)

Men’s State Grade 

Chanchai Sookton-Eng (Fawkner Tennis Club)

Men’s Grade 1

Sam Dinneen (Eildon Park Tennis Club)

Men’s Grade 2

Ryan Lucas (Eildon Park Tennis Club)

Men’s Grade 3

Evan Atkinson (Frankston Centenary Tennis Club)

Men’s Grade 4

Will Ellis (Vermont South Tennis Club)

Men’s Grade 5

Mitchell Robinson (Essendon Tennis Club)

Men’s Grade 6 

Max Dorey (Beaumaris Lawn Tennis Club)

Men’s Grade 7 

Lucas Louey (North Balwyn Tennis Club)

Men’s Grade 8 

Adam Petersen (Gracedale Park Tennis Club)

Men’s Grade 9 

Jack Nancarrow (East Coburg Tennis Club)

Men’s Grade 10

Dennis Smith (Eltham Tennis Club)

Men’s Grade 11

Ricky Li (North Balwyn Tennis Club)

Men’s Grade 12

Ricky Turco (Lakeview Tennis Club)

Masters Grade 1

Benn Heyme (Donvale Tennis Club)

Masters Grade 2

James Brearley (Royal South Yarra Lawn Tennis Club)

Masters Grade 3

Brian Harris (East Camberwell Tennis Club)

Women’s State Grade Team of the Year

Ruby Ward (Beaumaris Lawn Tennis Club)

Gabrielle Villegas (Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club)

Eunsae Shin (Beaumaris Lawn Tennis Club)

Mahi Khore (Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club)

Shiying Li (Grace Park Tennis Club)

Belle Thompson (Heatherdale Tennis Club)

Men’s State Grade Team of the Year

Chanchai Sookton-Eng (Fawkner Tennis Club)

Lucas Vuradin (Fawkner Tennis Club)

Thomas Patton (Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club)

David Hough (Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club)

Evan Vasiliadis (North Ringwood Tennis Club)

Luca Connaughton (Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club)