Ashleigh Barty in contention to receive record 4th Newcombe Medal

Ashleigh Barty is already somewhat of a tennis icon in her native Australia and getting a 4th Newcome Award would certainly boost that claim.

Ash Barty has scored her fifth Newcombe Medal nomination. Winner of the prestigious award in 2017, 2018, and 2019, Barty has the chance to become the first player in history to claim four Newcombe Medals. Barty is one of four nominees for the prestigious Newcombe Medal in 2021, the highest individual honor in Australian tennis. She is nominated alongside Dylan Alcott, John Peers, and Sam Stosur. The winner will be announced at the Australian Tennis Awards on Friday 17 December.

2021 was a career year for Barty as she was able to capture Wimbledon. It was a long-awaited dream of hers and it was one of the great moments in Australian tennis, with Barty riding a rollercoaster of momentum to triumph 6-3 6-7(4) 6-3 against Czech Karolina Pliskova and claim her second Grand Slam singles title.

In her post-match press conference, Barty revealed how close she came to not even competing.

“There weren’t too many radiologists in Australia who had seen my injury. In a sense, it was a two-month injury. Being able to play here at Wimbledon was nothing short of a miracle. It’s funny, sometimes the stars align – you can think positively, you can plan, and sometimes the stars do align, you can chase after your dreams.”

Barty opted not to defend her WTA Finals title last month, choosing to instead focus on her preparations for the Australian summer.

“It was a difficult decision but I need to prioritize my body and my recovery from our 2021 season and focus on having the strongest pre-season for the Australian summer. I can’t wait to play at home again.”

Yet there could still be another accolade to celebrate in 2021, with Barty nominated for the coveted Newcombe Medal.

“I feel honored to be nominated. I’m proud of the year my team and I have had and the work we put in. To be recognized by the Australian tennis community with this nomination is special.”