Barty and De Minaur edged out fellow nominees Dylan Alcott and John Millman.

For the world No.15, it was her second consecutive year winning the Newcombe Medal, the highest honour in Australian tennis.

“It’s been another phenomenal year, in particular, led by Tyz (Craig Tyzzer), my coach,” Barty said.

“He’s the most phenomenal person and he’s not only improved my game on the court but he’s helped me become a better person. 

“It truly is amazing to be standing up here again. I’m very grateful and very thankful to be in the position to be able to play the sport that I love, to do this as a job and to enjoy every single moment," she said.

It was another outstanding season for the 22-year-old who achieved a career high in both singles and doubles rankings, which saw her become one of only two women ranked inside the world’s top 20 in both disciplines.

Barty won her first Grand Slam at the US Open in doubles alongside Coco Vandeweghe and finished the year winning the WTA Elite Trophy Final in singles in Zhuhai.

When accepting the award she praised De Minaur's season as well.

“Alex has had one of the most incredible years I’ve ever seen. He thoroughly deserves the award as well. What he’s been able to achieve this year has put tennis in a very good place on the men’s side," Barty said.

“Maybe we will play doubles one day.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

What a year! Thank you 2018. Cheers, Alex 🥂

A post shared by Ash Barty (@ashbar96) on

The recently retired Casey Dellacqua was celebrated during the evening being awarded the Spirit of Tennis Award which honoured her outstanding achievements both on and off the court.

Dellacqua professional career spanned 16 years, where she peaked at world number 26 in singles, reaching seven Grand Slam doubles finals and a mixed doubles win at Roland Garros in 2011.

“I’ve had such an amazing career – the highlight for me is obviously always representing my country. I will miss that tremendously,” she said.

“I actually have said for a number of years, if there’s any award that I could win, it would be the Spirit of Tennis Award, because it’s something that has always I guess stood true to me.

“I’ve always felt that you can be a great tennis player but it’s being gracious that goes along with that that I really value.

“I’m really thankful and grateful for this award,” Dellacqua said.