SYDNEY (AFP) - Controversial stars Nick Kyrgios and Bernard Tomic have been ignored as nominees for the Newcombe Medal - which rewards Australia's "most outstanding elite tennis player and ambassador".

Showman Kyrgios, 20, has made headlines for all the wrong reasons with his sex slur at Stan Wawrinka in August sparking stinging criticism from fellow players.

Despite reaching his best form, Kyrgios earned a suspended ban for the comment to Wawrinka and went on to pick up three code violations in other matches.

Tomic also endured a turbulent year in which he was arrested in Miami for failing to follow police orders over a raucous penthouse party and clashed with Tennis Australia, leading to his suspension from a Davis Cup tie.

But the 23-year-old remains the highest-ranking Australian in the world at No. 18.

The six nominees for the Newcombe Medal are Sam Groth, Thanasi Kokkinakis, Sam Stosur, doubles stars John Peers and Casey Dellacqua and wheelchair champion Dylan Alcott.

"It is not just about honouring Australia's most outstanding tennis player, the awards are about recognising and celebrating the exceptional accomplishments and contributions of tennis communities, coaches, clubs and schools around the country," said Tennis Australia chief Craig Tiley.

The winner will be announced at an awards ceremony in Melbourne on Nov 23.