The ITF has announced a shortlist of four players to receive the latest Fed Cup Heart Award of 2015. The ITF has reintroduced the award for players competing in the World Group and World Group II play-offs in April.
Victoria Azarenka (BLR), Timea Bacsinszky (SUI), Alexandra Dulgheru (ROU) and Flavia Pennetta (ITA) have all been shortlisted for the Fed Cup play-offs award.
The players were shortlisted by the Heart Award judging panel, consisting of ITF President Francesco Ricci Bitti and a mixture of former players and members of the international media. A public vote, running on 22-26 June, is being held on FedCup.com and FedCup.com/es to decide the winner, who will receive a cheque for $3,000 to be donated to their chosen charity.
ITF President Francesco Ricci Bitti said: “The Fed Cup Heart Award is in its seventh year and continues to recognise the outstanding contributions made by players to their country and the competition. Fed Cup by BNP Paribas celebrated its 50th birthday in 2013 in the ITF centenary year, and I would like to acknowledge the efforts of all the players during this time who have helped Fed Cup grow to enjoy the success that it does today.”
The Fed Cup Heart Award is an ITF initiative that was first presented to USA’s Melanie Oudin at the 2009 Fed Cup Final. It aims to recognise players who have represented their country with distinction, shown exceptional courage on court and demonstrated outstanding commitment to their team. A total of six players will now be recognised in 2015. To cast your vote, visit the Fed Cup website
Fed Cup by BNP Paribas is the World Cup of Tennis. It is the largest annual international team competition in women’s sport, with 99 nations entered in 2015. The event celebrated its 50th birthday in 2013 in the ITF’s centenary year. The title sponsor is BNP Paribas, the Official Bank of Fed Cup. Adecco (Official HR Sponsor) is an international sponsor and beIN SPORTS is the Official Global Media Rights Partner. For the latest news, visit http://www.fedcup.com, http://www.fedcup.com/es, http://www.twitter.com/fedcup, http://www.facebook.com/FedCup, http://www.Weibo.com/fedcupofficial and http://www.fedcup.tv.
photo credit: Tatiana
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PLAYER INFORMATION
Victoria Azarenka (BLR)
Scored three victories against Japan to lead Belarus back into World Group II for the first time since 2012. Defeated Misaki Doi and Kurumi Nara in singles, before partnering Olga Govortsova to victory in the decisive doubles rubber.
Timea Bacsinszky (SUI)
Recorded three wins against Poland to help Switzerland win promotion to the World Group. Defeated Urszula and Agnieszka Radwanska in singles, before partnering Viktorija Golubic to a dramatic three-set doubles victory.
Alexandra Dulgheru (ROU)
Secured Romania’s promotion to the World Group with two singles victories against Canada. Upset Eugenie Bouchard on the opening day, before scoring a three-set win over Francoise Abanda to give Romania a 3-1 winning lead.
Flavia Pennetta (ITA)
Helped Italy come from behind to defeat the United States 3-2 in Brindisi. Defeated Christina McHale to level the tie, before partnering Sara Errani to victory over Alison Riske and Serena Williams, ending Williams’s unbeaten Fed Cup record,
2015 WINNERS
World Group semifinals: to be presented at the Final
World Group / World Group II play-offs: TBC
World Group / World Group II first round: Irina-Camelia Begu (ROU)
Europe/Africa Zone Group I: Cagla Buyukakcay (TUR)
Americas Zone Group I: Veronica Cepede Royg (PAR)
Asia/Oceania Zone Group I: Tamarine Tanasugarn (THA)
VALUE OF CHEQUES
World Group semifinals winner (x1): $10,000
World Group / World Group II first round winner (x1): $6,000
World Group / World Group II play-offs winner (x1): $3,000
Zone Group I winners (x3): $1,000
JUDGING PANEL
Francesco Ricci Bitti (ITA), ITF President
Sabine Appelmans (BEL), former Fed Cup player/captain
Mercedes Paz (ARG), former Fed Cup player
Craig Gabriel (AUS), international journalist
Sandra Harwitt (USA), international journalist
Corinne Dubreuil (FRA), international photographer
Ray Giubilo (ITA), international photographer
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