De Minaur ends 2023 on top
2023 has been a great year for Alex de Minaur. He started it strong in March where he won his seventh ATP title at the Mexican Open in Acapulco. That tournament was also de Minaur’s first ever ATP 500 level win.
The milestones kept coming throughout the year and his rank among the world’s best continued to rise. De Minaur secured his 200th career win in November and now sits at No. 12 in the world tennis rankings. No other Aussie is even in the top 30. The next highest ranked Australian is Alexei Popyrin down at No. 40.
De Minaur and Popyrin were both a part of Australia’s Davis Cup team who finished runner-up to Italy in Spain last month. Both players were easily defeated by their Italian counterparts, but that was not enough to sour de Minaur’s year.
For his efforts, and to cap off his career-year, Tennis Australia awarded De Minaur the 2023 Newcombe Medal. This is the biggest domestic achievement of the 24-year-old’s career so far. With the Australian Open just a month away, many are hoping his Newcombe Medal win is overshadowed by home tournament win in Melbourne.
The other nominees for the 2023 Newcombe Medal were Alexei Popyrin, Max Purcell, Matt Ebden, Storm Hunter, and Rinky Hijikata.
De Minaur unable to attend ceremony
De Minaur was not at the Australian Tennis Awards on Monday night. Instead of being at Melbourne’s Crown Casino for the ceremony, the Aussie star was in Spain, which he has made his training base for the upcoming Australian Open. Even though he could not attend, de Minaur showed his gratitude to the Australian tennis community.
“I’m very sad that I wasn’t able to attend the Newcombe Medal this year and I’m extremely grateful for this amazing award,” De Minaur said via a video message from his home in Spain.
“It’s been a great year. Not only for myself, but for all of Australian tennis, and I think we should be very proud indeed.”
“There’s so much to look forward to, so much improvement [to celebrate]. I’m just happy to be a part of it.”
De Minaur finished his comments reflecting on just how big an achievement it is to be awarded the Newcombe Medal. “This is one of those awards that as a kid you want to do everything in your power to achieve,” said the young Australian.
All eyes on Australian Open
The annual Australian Tennis Awards ceremony is one of the most feel good events on the Australian tennis calendar. Now that it’s over, the country and the entire world of tennis can turn their eyes to Australia’s most cutthroat event; The Australian Open.
The 2024 tournament looks to be one of the most interesting in years. It will likely be Rafael Nadal’s last Australian Open. Naomi Osaka, Angelique Kerber, and Emma Raducanu are also making comebacks at the tournament.
Australian firebrand Nick Kyrgios will not be making his return to tennis, on the court at least. Kyrgios has accepted a commentary role for the 2024 Australian Open in lieu of playing. Kyrgios was among the top dark horse candidates at the betting sites as recently as a week ago.
