Ashleigh Barty, Dylan Alcott crowned joint Newcombe Medal winners

Ashleigh Barty has capped off her stellar 2021 season by winning the year-ending Newcombe Medal, an honor she shared with compatriot and quad wheelchair world champion Dylan Alcott.

It was a record-setting fourth consecutive Newcombe Medal for Barty, who won a tour-leading five WTA singles title, including her first Wimbledon singles trophy. Additionally, the 25-year old finished the year ranked World No.1 for the third consecutive year.

"It's been a really rewarding year, a hell of a year," Barty said. "I think off all the hard work I've done behind the scenes with my team. It started with a massive pre-season last October.

"We worked our backsides off all year to try to give myself a chance to try and compete with the best in the world."

Barty also had high praise for Alcott, who became the first male tennis player to win the "Golden Slam" in 2021, with the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, US Open and Paralympic titles in quad wheelchair singles.

"It's been an exceptional year and to share it with Dylan is incredible," added Barty. "Dylan has become an icon of sport. Not just for wheelchair athletes but for all athletes across the globe. He's an incredible person."