Skip to content

'Incredible breakthrough': Local tennis star named doubles player of the year

Liam Draxl won multiple tournaments in 2024 and is the top-ranked Canadian doubles player at No. 132
USED 20221115liamdk
Hometown tennis star Liam Draxl holds a place of honour at the Newmarket tennis club.

Newmarket tennis star Liam Draxl is being recognized as one of the country’s top players with a men’s doubles player of the year award from Tennis Canada.

Draxl was among the list of Tennis Canada’s top players released Dec. 10. The young tennis star has made waves with five ATP Challenger tour titles and going into the 2025 season on an eight-match winning streak in doubles, having won his last two tournaments in Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo. His wins have seen the 23-year-old rise to be the highest-ranked player from Canada on the men’s double circuit at 132nd.

Draxl also celebrated his birthday Dec. 5.

“Your Newmarket tennis family couldn’t be more proud of your incredible breakthrough 2024 season,” the Newmarket Community Tennis Club said on Facebook for Draxl’s birthday. “We continue to watch and cheer you on every step of the way.”

Draxl has had a winning season, most recently emerging as a champion at the Manzanillo Open alongside Calagary tennis partner Cleeve Harper. Along with five ATP tour wins, he also was victorious at the Edmonton National Bank Challenger in October, winning both singles and doubles at the ITF M25 tournament.

The young tennis star was raised in Newmarket, playing games with the local tennis clubs. He has long been a tennis phenom, becoming a top-ranked junior-level player as well.

At the professional level, Draxl has garnered a 51-24 match record in 2024 according to the International Tennis Federation. He has also gathered more than $48,000 in doubles prize money and more than $26,000 in singles prize money this year, according to ATP.

The community tennis club awaits his return home in the summer, at its new facility

“We can’t wait to welcome you home this summer at our new (tennis facility) and get the chance to catch up with you and maybe hit a few tennis balls,” the club said on Facebook. “Keep shooting for the stars Liam and have fun along the way!”