“I was joking with someone – if you’re not top 20 or 30 singles, and not 20 in doubles, you’re not even a look to get in the team at this point.

“It’s that strong. We’re returning to the former golden years I would say.”

The status of Gold Coast siblings Hayden and Emerson Jones as the future of Australian tennis was confirmed when they were named as male and female junior players of the year.

Hayden pipped Cruz Hewitt, the son of Australian great and Davis Cup captain Lleyton, for the boys’ award.

Cruz, who secured his first professional win at the age of 15 in August, was accompanied by his parents, Lleyton and Bec, at the glamorous event at Crown Palladium.

Emerson Jones is Australia’s first junior world No.1 girl since Jelena Dokic in 1998, while Hayden holds a junior ranking of 13.

Their parents are Loretta Harrop, an Olympic silver medallist in triathlon at the 2004 Athens Games, and Brad Jones, who has won the QAFL’s highest individual honour, the Grogan Medal.

It was little surprise that de Minaur took out a third “Newk” after reaching three consecutive grand slam quarter-finals and becoming the first Australian to play the ATP Finals in two decades.

Ebden, 37, picked up his first Newk after winning the Australian Open doubles title with India’s Rohan Bopanna, climbing to the world No.1 doubles ranking and teaming with countryman John Peers to win gold in Paris.

World No.9 de Minaur, who cruelly had to pull out of his Wimbledon quarter-final against Novak Djokovic with a hip injury, was rapt to share the medal.

“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 via video link from London where he is playing an exhibition event before launching his Australian Open campaign next month.

“It’s been an incredible year for Australian tennis and I’m just so happy to be part of it. I’d like to congratulate Matt, who’s done amazing things this year, and his team – the Olympic gold medal was a highlight, as well as all the other nominees tonight.”

The Newcombe Medal nominees included de Minaur, Popyrin, Ebden, Thompson, Peers, Max Purcell and the country’s highest-ranked women’s player, Olivia Gadecki.

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Ebden and Peers won Australia’s first Olympic gold since “the Woodies” – Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde – in Atlanta nearly 30 years ago.

“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,” said Newcombe.

“Matt’s extraordinary success in doubles, highlighted by a grand slam victory [at the Australian Open] 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.”