Alex de Minaur makes history with third Newcombe Medal as girlfriend goes public with awful reveal

Alex de Minaur has become the first man to win three Newcombe Medals, sharing the prestigious award with Matt Ebden on Monday night. But the triumph came amid a horrible revelation from the Aussie tennis star's girlfriend Katie Boulter.

De Minaur enjoyed the best year of his career to date, rising to World No.9 off the back of some stellar results in 2024. But his standout year wasn't quite enough to claim the Newcombe Medal on his own, with doubles star Ebden named the joint winner.

The 25-year-old de Minaur won the medal as Australia's top tennis player for the third time in his career - becoming the first man to win it three times. He joined Sam Stosur (who also won three), while Ash Barty won the gong five times.

De Minaur reached the second week of every grand slam in 2024, including making the quarter-finals of the French Open, Wimbledon and US Open. He battled through a hip injury he suffered at Wimbledon to become the first Aussie since Lleyton Hewitt in 2004 to qualify for the season-ending ATP Finals. He also became the first Australian since Hewitt in 2005 to reach three grand slam quarters in a calendar year.

The 37-year-old Ebden won the Australian Open doubles title with Rohan Bopanna, reached World No.1 and claimed gold at the Paris Olympics with John Peers. "I'm so proud and happy to win the Newcombe Medal award again, and want to say how much I appreciate it, and also being able to share it with Matt," de Minaur said in a statement from London. "It's been an incredible year for Australian tennis and I'm just so happy to be part of it. Let's all fight to have an even better year in 2025."

John Newcombe lauds Alex de Minaur and Matt Ebden

Aussie legend Newcombe said: "Alex and Matt have made the entire Australian tennis community incredibly proud, not just with their outstanding achievements, but with the passion, resilience, and determination they've shown all year. Alex's rise into the world's top 10 is a remarkable accomplishment and a true reflection of his tireless work ethic and ability to overcome challenges. Watching him grow as a player and push the boundaries of his potential has been nothing short of inspiring.

"Matt's extraordinary success in doubles, highlighted by a Grand Slam victory and his historic run to Olympic gold, along with his unwavering commitment to represent Australia in Davis Cup, is a testament to his exceptional skill and character. Their contributions exemplify the very best of Australian tennis values and traditions."

Katie Boulter goes public with harrowing experience

De Minaur's triumph comes in the same week his girlfriend went public with a harrowing experience. British tennis star Boulter revealed what it's like being a top female player on tour, and some of the ugly drawbacks that don't often get mentioned.

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The 28-year-old revealed she's been stalked by obsessed fans and sent frightening messages online. “It happens to all of us,” she told The Guardian. “It’s part of life when you’re in the public eye a little bit. Obviously you don’t feel comfortable.

“One time in Nottingham, I had someone messaging me on social media saying, ‘I’m outside. I’m going to hurt you if you come outside’. Obviously I alerted the WTA, and they found the guy, who was actually on site. Things like this happen all the time. Obviously we are very well protected, which makes you feel safe. The WTA does a great job of being there for you with that.

“I actually went to go and pick up Alex from Queens, and I had someone follow me in the car. We went to Sloane Square, got out, went for a walk around the shops and stuff and the same car was following me home. I was with Alex, so it was absolutely fine, but yeah, it wasn’t the best feeling.”