TOKYO, JAPAN - OCTOBER 06: Sam Groth of Australia in action during the men's singles match against Jeremy Chardy of France on day two of Rakuten Open 2015 at Ariake Colosseum on October 6, 2015 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Atsushi Tomura/Getty Images)

Big serving Sam Groth has won Australia's top tennis award, the Newcombe Medal.

Groth capped off a career best season where he reached a personal best ranking of world No. 53.

The 28-year-old has enjoyed a stunning comeback to the sport in recent years, after almost giving the game away completely.

Just four years ago Groth took time out from the sport to play suburban football for Vermont, before returning to tennis with a new found hunger.

He won the award ahead of world No.1 wheelchair player Dylan Alcott and youngster Thanasi Kokkonakis.

Groth's 2015 highlights included reaching the third round of both the Australian Open and Wimbledon, reaching three ATP quarter-finals and winning Challenger tour titles in Manchester and Taiwan.