LONDON, OCT 26 : The International Tennis Federation (ITF) today confirmed the four nominations for the final Fed Cup Heart Award of 2015. The award will be presented during the 2015 Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Final between Czech Republic and Russia in Prague on November 14-15.
Petra Kvitova (CZE), Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS), Lucie Safarova (CZE) and Elena Vesnina (RUS) have all been shortlisted for the World Group semifinals award.
The players were shortlisted by the Heart Award judging panel, consisting of ITF President David Haggerty and a mixture of former players and members of the international media. A public vote, running on October 26-29, is being held on FedCup.com and FedCup.com/es to decide the winner, who will receive a cheque for $10,000 to be donated to their chosen charity.
ITF President David Haggerty 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 by BNP Paribas 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 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.
Player Information
Petra Kvitova (CZE)
Won both singles rubbers against France to lead Czech Republic into the Fed Cup Final for the fourth time in five years. Defeated Kristina Mladenovic on the opening day, before overcoming Caroline Garcia to give Czech Republic a 3-0 winning lead.
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS)
Won two matches against Germany to help Russia reach the Fed Cup Final for the second time in three years. Saved a match point to defeat Sabine Lisicki on the opening day, before partnering Elena Vesnina to victory in the deciding doubles rubber.
Lucie Safarova (CZE)
Gave Czech Republic a winning start against France in their semifinal in Ostrava, after saving five match points to defeat Caroline Garcia 46 76(1) 61 in the opening rubber.
Elena Vesnina (RUS)
Improved her career Fed Cup doubles win-loss record to an impressive 9-3, after partnering Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova to victory in the deciding doubles rubber over Germany’s Sabine Lisicki and Andrea Petkovic.
2015 winners
To be presented at the Final: World Group semifinals
Flavia Pennetta (ITA): World Group / World Group II play-offs
Irina-Camelia Begu (ROU): World Group / World Group II first round
Cagla Buyukakcay (TUR): Europe/Africa Zone Group I
Veronica Cepede Royg (PAR): Americas Zone Group I
Tamarine Tanasugarn (THA): Asia/Oceania Zone Group I
Value of cheques
$10,000: World Group semifinals winner (x1)
$6,000: World Group / World Group II first round winner (x1)
$3,000: World Group / World Group II play-offs winner (x1)
$1,000: Zone Group I winners (x3)
Judging Panel
David Haggerty (USA), 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