Lleyton Hewitt pays tribute to "beautiful" wife Bec

Lleyton Hewitt has described his wife Bec as his "rock".

The Australian tennis champion, who received the Spirit of Tennis award at the Newcombe Medal awards on Monday night (December 5), gave a speech in which he thanked former Home and Away actress Bec for her support throughout his career and injuries.

The Herald Sun quotes Lleyton as saying: "My beautiful wife, she's been fantastic. Obviously this year has been a real battle for us, or me physically, and she's always been there to support me.

"The biggest positive is I've been able to be home and clean nappies and do all those things a bit more. But you've been my rock the whole time, sweetie, so thank you very much."

He also admitted that he has cried only a handful of times during his tennis career and both were during the Davis Cup; once when Australia lost the final against Spain in 2000 and in September this year when Stanislas Wawrinka defeated him.

"Believe me, it wasn't until a few nights [later that] I got over it," he said. "I'm still not over it yet."

Lleyton and Bec, who have children Mia, Cruz and Ava together, were spotted dancing at the Newcombe Medal as singer and X Factor judge Guy Sebastian performed until midnight.

Also attending the sports event was US Open champion Samantha Stosur, who wore an Adolfo Dominguez gown.

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Watch a 'blue carpet' video from the Newcome Medal below: