Canberra, Nov 25 (IANS): Nick Kyrgios, 19, has been awarded Australia's top tennis honor, the prestigious Newcombe Medal, formally recognising him as Australia's most outstanding tennis player in 2014.

The Canberra native was presented with the award by Australian tennis legend John Newcombe Monday at a gala celebration at Crown Palladium in Melbourne, in whose honour the medal is named, reports Xinhua.

"I honestly didn't think I was going to win this award tonight," said Kyrgios.

"Casey Dellacqua has had such a great year and obviously Lleyton Hewitt and Sam Stosur deserve the award as well but when I heard my name called up there were so many mixed emotions, I didn't want to cry up there but I was close."

The young player also spoke of his willingness to improve as a professional.

"Newcombe has achieved so much in this game, I read the articles where he speaks about me and how I have to work harder and I definitely take that into account, I'm doing that every day and I'm just looking to get better, Kyrgios said.

"I think a title awaits me and I'm going to do everything I can, train hard and hopefully that title comes."