A LIFETIME of dedication was recognised when Illawarra’s Leanne Swaysland won the John Newcombe Medal night outstanding seniors player.
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Swaysland is the No.7 ranked 55 years division player in the world, having been as high as No.4 earlier this year.
She made the seniors world championships final in Finland in July, dropping just two sets, including one in a tiebreak, before losing to Ros Balodis.
Swaysland is also ranked No.2 in the world in the doubles, partnering fellow Australian Balodis to the world title.
As Paralympic gold medallist Dylan Alcott was named the Newcombe Medallist at a ceremony in Melbourne on Wednesday night, Swaysland was honoured with the seniors award, having played tennis for more than 40 years.
“It’s a great honour, I’ve played tennis all my life,” Swaysland said after receiving the award.
“I started tennis at nine, right through juniors, had a family and played competitions and decided to play on the senior circuit.
It’s a great honour, I’ve played tennis all my life
- LEANNE SWAYSLAND
“I’ve had a wonderful time meeting people and touring the world.
“(Tennis means) everything. I met my husband (Wayne) on the tennis court and we’ve been married 35 years.”