The agent of Casey Dellacqua has questioned Tennis Australia's decision to give the Newcombe Medal to Nick Kyrgios, saying other Australians, including Dellacqua, have had better seasons.
Kyrgios, 19, defeated Rafael Nadal to reach the quarterfinals of Wimbledon, causing a sensation that likely was the basis for his receiving of the award.
"It is my understanding that the Newcombe Medal is awarded to 'Australia's most outstanding elite tennis player for the year,'" Sam Maxwell of Emageo Group was quoted as saying by the West Australian. "In 2014, Lleyton Hewitt won two singles titles while Sam Stosur was our highest-ranked player at world No. 22. If we are talking about consistency at the highest level over the whole year, I feel that the year Casey Dellacqua has had would have made her a deserving winner."
Dellacqua won 31 matches and is ranked No. 26, while Kyrgios won 10 matches on tour and did not break into the Top 50.
"I find it difficult to understand how a player who has won three times the number of matches over the year, won more matches in Grand Slams in 2014 and also has a ranking half that of the winner is not recognised. I question whether the decision to award Nick the medal was based on the hype surrounding him and the exposure it would then generate."
The award has been given annually since 2010, based on the assessment of a Tennis Australia panel.