 Photographer: None / Not Applicable
Date: 26 Oct 2009 |  Photographer: Ron Angle
Date: 26 Oct 2009 |  Photographer: Ron Angle
Date: 26 Oct 2009 |  Photographer: Corinne Dubreuil
Date: 26 Oct 2009 |  Photographer: Angelo Tonelli
Date: 26 Oct 2009 | Photographer: None / Not Applicable
Date: 26 Oct 2009 |
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| 26 Oct 2009 | |
| Inaugural Heart Award to be presented at Final |
The ITF today announced that the inaugural Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Heart Award will be presented at the Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Final between Italy and USA. The Final is being held in Reggio Calabria on 7-8 November.
The Heart Award aims to recognise a player who has represented her country with distinction, shown exceptional courage on court and demonstrated outstanding commitment to the team during the 2009 Fed Cup by BNP Paribas.
Along with the honour of this prestigious Award, the winner will receive a unique Heart bracelet and a cheque for $2,500 to donate to her chosen charity. The winner will be decided by an online public vote, taking place from 26 October until 4 November on the Official Fed Cup by BNP Paribas website: fedcup.com and fedcup.com/es
There are four nominees for the 2009 Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Heart Award, all selected for their exploits in this year’s competition: Alexa Glatch (USA), Melanie Oudin (USA), Flavia Pennetta (ITA) and Francesca Schiavone (ITA).
Francesco Ricci Bitti, ITF President, said: “This is a great opportunity to recognise and reward the extraordinary commitment that players show towards Fed Cup by BNP Paribas. It has been an excellent season with some fantastic individual and team performances. I encourage all tennis fans to go online and get involved.”
Starting in 2010, a Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Heart Award will be presented to a different player after each round of the World Group. In addition, a player from each Zonal Group will also be recognised.
Information about the nominees
Alexa Glatch (USA)
Alexa made the type of Fed Cup debut players dream about when she came in to the USA team for the semifinals against Czech Republic. Playing in Brno, the 20-year-old Californian performed like a seasoned campaigner as she recorded routine straight sets victories over Iveta Benesova and Petra Kvitova – both ranked more than 50 places higher in the world standings.
Melanie Oudin (USA)
Melanie, who won the hearts of the American public by reaching the US Open quarterfinals in September, played a crucial role in her nation progressing to the Fed Cup Final. After losing her debut singles rubber in the first round tie against Argentina - and with USA precariously trailing 1-2 in the tie - the talented teenager battled back from a set down to defeat Betina Jozami, setting up a chance for victory in the deciding doubles rubber.
Flavia Pennetta (ITA)
Flavia has enjoyed the best form of her career in 2009, winning titles in Palermo and Los Angeles and reaching a career high world ranking of No. 10. The 27-year-old, along with Francesca Schiavone, has also formed the foundation of Italy’s Fed Cup campaign. She won both her singles rubbers in the first round against France and then defeated Anna Chakvetadze in the semifinals against Russia, helping her nation reach its third Final since 2006.
Francesca Schiavone (ITA)
Francesca has enhanced her Fed Cup credentials with another impressive season. She defeated France’s Alize Cornet in the first round before winning what must rank as one of her best career victories in the semifinals against Russia. The 29-year-old came from behind to edge past Svetlana Kuznetsova, a two-time Grand Slam champion, before clinching the decisive rubber against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.
Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Heart Award - Find out more information and vote now...
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