Tennis star and advocate Dylan Alcott has had a whirlwind week.

On Tuesday he won an Australian Open semi-final, then boarded a plane for Canberra where he made history after being named 2022 Australian of the Year.

He is the first person with a physical disability to claim the award in its 62-year history.

Tomorrow he’ll play in the Australian Open quad wheelchair singles grand final, his last match before retirement.

Speaking to Neil Mitchell on Wednesday morning, Mr Alcott says he’s “emotionally a 10/10 – I feel so humbled and grateful”, but, physically, it’s another story.

“Physically – 2/10,” he said.

“If I was to play the final today I would get my backside kicked, that’s for sure, but I’ve got a day … I’ll ty and get right!”

Mr Alcott says his priorities won’t change now that he’s Australian of the Year.

“My purpose five years ago, today, and in 20 years, will never change and it will be my purpose as Australian of the Year to change perceptions so people with disability and get out and live the lives they deserve to live,” he said.

“I’m just going to be myself.

“I can’t be anybody else.”

Press PLAY below to hear Dylan Alcott on his whirlwind Canberra trip, Grace Tame + his priorities 

Image: Brook Mitchell/Getty Images