The ITF has announced a shortlist of four players to receive the latest Fed Cup Heart Award of 2016.
Hsu Ching-Wen (TPE), Angelique Kerber (GER), Garbine Muguruza (ESP) and Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) have all been shortlisted for the Fed Cup play-offs award for players competing in the World Group and World Group II play-offs in April.
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 20-23 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.
Nominations for the World Group semifinals award will be announced later this year.
ITF President David Haggerty said: "The Fed Cup Heart Award is a fantastic initiative that recognises outstanding contributions made by players representing their country. I would like to acknowledge the performances by the four shortlisted players but I would also like to thank all of the players who make Fed Cup by BNP Paribas the success it is 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 be recognised in 2016. 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 102 nations entered in 2016. The competition is 53 years old having been founded in 1963. The title sponsor is BNP Paribas, the Official Bank of Fed Cup. International sponsors are Adecco (Official HR Sponsor) and Betway (Official Betting Sponsor). beIN SPORTS is the Official Global Media Rights Partner. For the latest news, visit www.fedcup.com, www.fedcup.com/es, www.twitter.com/fedcup, www.facebook.com/FedCup, www.Weibo.com/fedcupofficial and www.fedcup.tv.
Player Information
Hsu Ching-Wen (TPE)
The 19-year-old made an outstanding debut to help Chinese Taipei qualify for World Group II for the first time in its history. She defeated Paula Kania on the opening day, before overcoming Magdalena Frech in three sets to give the visitors a 3-1 winning lead over Poland.
Angelique Kerber (GER)
The Australian Open champion scored two straight-sets singles victories to help Germany retain its place in the World Group away in Romania. She overcame Irina-Camelia Begu on the first day, before defeating Simona Halep on day two en route to an eventual 4-1 victory.
Garbine Muguruza (ESP)
The recent Roland Garros champion extended her unbeaten Fed Cup singles record to six matches with two straight-sets victories on her Fed Cup home debut. She defeated Francesca Schiavone in the opening rubber, before overpowering Roberta Vinci to give the hosts a 3-0 winning lead over Italy.
Yanina Wickmayer (BEL)
The Belgian improved her career Fed Cup singles record to an impressive 26-8 with two victories away in Serbia. She overcame Jovana Jaksic on the first day, before coming from behind to defeat Aleksandra Krunic 16 75 86 on day two en route to an eventual 3-2 triumph.
2016 winners
TBC: World Group semifinals
TBC: World Group / World Group II play-offs
Aliaksandra Sasnovich (BLR): World Group / World Group II first round
Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR): Europe/Africa Zone Group I
Nadia Podoroska (ARG): Americas Zone Group I
Hsieh Su-Wei (TPE): 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 play-offs (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
For more information, please contact:
ITF Communications
Tel: +44 (0)20 8392 4632
Email: communications@itftennis.com
20 Years at #1: Your best source of news about the Olympics is www.aroundtherings.com, for subscribers only
Últimas Noticias
Utah’s Olympic venues an integral part of the equation as Salt Lake City seeks a Winter Games encore
IOC president tells Olympic Movement “we will again have safe and secure Olympic Games” in Beijing
Boxing’s place in the Olympics remains in peril as IOC still unhappy with the state of AIBA’s reform efforts
IOC president details Olympic community efforts to get Afghans out of danger after Taliban return to power
North Korea suspended by IOC for failing to participate in Tokyo though its athletes could still take part in Beijing 2022
