Archive for November, 2010

Stosur named Newcombe Medal finalist

Stosur named Newcombe Medal finalist

28 November 2010

Jarmila Groth, Lleyton Hewitt, Anastasia Rodionova and Samantha Stosur were today announced as finalists for the inaugural Newcombe Medal to be presented at the Australian Tennis Awards gala in Melbourne on Friday 3 December. “We are delighted to announce such an outstanding and committed group of athletes as our finalists for the inaugural Newcombe Medal,” Tennis Australia's Director of Tennis Craig Tiley said. “They have all enjoyed significant achievements and success with their tennis during 2010. “Lleyton showed his now trademark grit and determination, coming back from surgery to defeat Federer and win in Halle, and break more records with his outstanding Davis Cup service; Jarka rose to the occasion in the big events, reaching the round of 16 at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon and winning her first WTA event to break into the top 50. And Anastasia, or Rodi, as we now know her, made an emotional Fed Cup debut and went on to win two gold medals at the Commonwealth Games. And of course Sam won two WTA titles, reached her first Grand Slam final and finished the year at No. 6 in the world. “I'm very excited about the opportunity to honour our most outstanding elite athlete by awarding the Newcombe Medal, and we also look forward to recognising the contributions of many of our tennis family – coaches, officials, administrators and volunteers – at our first ever Australian Tennis Awards night,” Tiley continued. Legendary 26-time Grand Slam title winner John Newcombe is also looking forward to a night dedicated to the celebration of tennis. “It was a great honour when Tennis Australia asked me if I would be willing to be involved ... and to have a medal named after myself,” Newcombe said. “Of course I agreed. I feel quite humbled by it really, because you think about actually becoming a part of history. In 50 and 60 years time you will be getting the Newcombe Medal presented at the annual dinner. My grandchildren and my great-grandchildren will be there, and they will be able to see that happening, and it really is a great honour. They might even call it the 'beauty Newk!' I can't wait. It's going to be a big night.” The inaugural Newcombe Medal and Australian Tennis Awards gala will take place at Melbourne Park on Friday 3 December. Limited tickets are available to the general public. For enquiries please email: australiantennisawards@tennis.com.au

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Vote for Sam

Vote for Sam

23 November 2010

The Herald Sun is running a poll to find the best tennis moment of 2010 and Sam's stirring run to the French Open final is in the mix. Vote for Sam now

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Sam’s tennis story

Sam’s tennis story

16 November 2010

Find out how Sam started playing tennis and what she loves about the game.Watch Sam's tennis story

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Court named in Sam’s honour

Court named in Sam’s honour

8 November 2010

As one of the world’s top 10 players, Sam Stosur’s name appears in many places – on billboards, TV, newspapers, the internet, some trophies and now on her very own court in Southport, Queenlsand. After flying back to Australia on 5 November following her loss to Kim Clijsters in the WTA season-ending championships semifinals, Stosur was welcomed home by an enthusiastic group of supporters and Gold Coast mayor, Ron Clarke. “She shows such a drive for perfection in willing to do anything to go beyond where she has reached before,” Mr Clark said. Stosur said she will relax for the next few weeks before beginning her preparations for the Australian summer and lead-up events in Brisbane and Sydney. “I'm more nervous about this than I am playing,” she told the assembled crowd at Southport’s Queens Park Tennis Centre. “It's really an honour to have a court named after you, where you grew up. It doesn't happen to everyone.” Locals better keep an eye out for Stosur though, as she jokingly told the crowd she’ll be back to hit on the court that features her name. “Next time I come home to practise, watch out – I'll be kicking you off so I can play on my own court,” Stosur said.

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