The first female tennis player to win the award, Barty was voted as the athlete who most inspired the nation.

She came up against a star-studded field of nominees including fellow Olympic hopeful and seven-time surfing world champion, Stephanie Gilmore, 400m freestyle world champion and Tokyo 2020 contender Ariarne Titmus, three-time Tour de France stage winner, Caleb Ewan, Paralympian and tennis grand slam champion, Dylan Alcott OAM, Ashes winners Ellyse Perry and Tim Paine, and Bathurst 1000 winner, Craig Lowndes OAM.

This year, the 23-year old became the first of only five Australians in 16 years to reach World No.1 status in tennis, the last was Lleyton Hewitt in 2001. She is also the first Australian woman to achieve this since Evonne Goolagong-Cawley, AC MBE 43 years ago.

Upon receiving the award, Barty said she felt honoured and thanked those who have helped shape her into the person and athlete she is today.

“I can’t quite believe it to be honest," Barty said.

“When I look at my fellow nominees this year and people who have won ‘The Don’ Award before, I feel honoured to be a part of such an inspiring and talented group of Australians.

"My parents taught me that being a good person is the most important thing in life, I try and live by that every day," she continued.

“When I started playing tennis, my first coach Jim Joyce had four ‘rules’ – be a nice person, respect people and be respected, have fun and if you can play tennis that’s a bonus – these are still with me today. At the end of the day tennis is a game and it is meant to be fun. I try to walk away with a smile even after a tough day.

“I am so proud of my team and I, for what we have achieved. We have worked hard, experienced some amazing highs and lows and enjoyed every bit of the journey.

“The perfect way for me to finish 2019 would be with a win representing Australia in the Fed Cup, then I’ll be ready to celebrate.”

The Sport Australia Hall of Fame also welcomed seven new members, including four Olympians; Cheryl Salisbury (Football), Russell Mark (Shooting), Stephanie Rice (Swimming) Emma Snowsill (Triathlon) and Robbie McEwen (Cycling).

Dual-Olympian, former Matildas captain and Australia's most capped football player,  Salisbury created history upon her entrance to the elite club of SAHOF, becoming the first female footballer ever inducted.

Mark was inducted as a six-time Olympian and Olympic silver and gold medallist, while triple Olympic Champion and five-time world record holder, Rice also received the honour.

Snowsill, considered one of the best triathletes of all time, winning Olympic and Commonwealth gold retired winning more titles than any other woman in International Triathlon Union events, with her induction to the SAHOF a fitting recognition, while triple-Olympic cyclist McEwen also claimed his place in the Hall of Fame.

You can find out more on all the award winners and inductees, HERE