20 November 2025 | Tennis West

The West Australian tennis community tennis community is celebrating its outstanding players and volunteers as nominees and finalists for the prestigious 2025 Newcombe Medal, Australian Tennis Awards.   

[100] Tristan Schoolkate (WA) has been nominated for the 2025 Newcombe Medal, awarded annually to the nation’s most outstanding player and ambassador for the sport.  

Tristan Schoolkate has enjoyed a breakout 2025 season, winning ATP Challenger titles in Brisbane and on the grass courts of Ilkley, a run that lifted him into the world’s top 100 for the first time. His strong form earned him main-draw wildcards into both Roland Garros and the US Open, adding to an impressive Australian Open campaign where he defeated Taro Daniel before pushing world No. 1 Jannik Sinner. Steadily rising in confidence and consistency, the Western Australian has firmly established himself as one of Australia’s most promising emerging talents on the ATP Tour. 

Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion John Newcombe will present the award named in his honour at the 15th annual Newcombe Medal, Australian Tennis Awards held at Palladium Crown in Melbourne on Monday 8 December.  

“This year’s Newcombe Medal nominees represent the very best of Australian tennis – athletes who have not only achieved incredible results on the world stage, but who also embody the values of perseverance, sportsmanship and national pride,” Newcombe said.   

“From Grand Slam breakthroughs to career-best rankings and unforgettable performances, 2025 has been a landmark year for Australian tennis. These players have inspired fans across the country and around the world.  

“We’re proud to celebrate their achievements at the Newcombe Medal, a night that honours not just success on the court, but the spirit and character that define our sport.” 

WA is also proud if its remarkable line up of grassroots tennis leaders, in particular in our regional areas with Merredin Tennis Club’s Michelle (Meg) Gethin announced as a finalist in the Volunteer Achievement Award for the 2025 Newcombe Medal Australian Tennis Awards. 

This comes after Michelle Gethin won the Service to Tennis Award at the 2025 Tennis West Awards Night in May. 

Through Michelle’s various roles as Secretary, Treasurer, Junior Coordinator, Coach, and Central Districts Tennis Association (CDTA) Board Member, Michelle has demonstrated exceptional leadership over the past 18 years through her extensive involvement with the Merredin District Lawn Tennis Club, the CDTA, and more recently, the newly formed Merredin Tennis Club. 

Michelle’s tireless advocacy, inclusive programs, and strategic leadership have created a lasting ripple effect that continues to strengthen tennis in the region.   

The Australian Tennis Awards highlight the extraordinary efforts in both participation and performance across Australia and the essential role local communities play in making tennis accessible to all. 

After a landmark year for tennis in Western Australia, Tennis West CEO Olivia Birkett reflected on what these achievements mean for the community:

“It’s a proud moment for Western Australian tennis to see both Tristan and Meg recognised as finalists at the prestigious Newcombe Medal awards. Tristan’s breakthrough season has been nothing short of inspiring, showcasing his talent and determination on the international stage. Meg’s unwavering commitment to grassroots tennis has had a profound impact across regional WA, and her leadership continues to strengthen our sport from the ground up. We wish them both every success and thank them for representing our community with such distinction.” 

 

About the Newcombe Medal: 

The Newcombe Medal, the highest individual honour in Australian tennis, is awarded annually to the nation’s most outstanding elite player and ambassador for the sport.  

The award is named after the legendary John Newcombe, whose enduring legacy continues to inspire generations. A former world No.1, Newcombe amassed 26 Grand Slam titles, including seven in singles, and competed in five victorious Australian Davis Cup teams.  

Newcombe also captained the Australian Davis Cup team for seven years, guiding them to a memorable win in 1999. Following his competitive career, he became a respected broadcaster, bringing the same intelligence, passion and dedication to the commentary booth that he demonstrated on the court.