The ITF today announced that Germany’s Andrea Petkovic has won the final Fed Cup Heart Award of 2014 in recognition of her performance during Germany’s semifinal victory against Australia in Brisbane in April. It is Petkovic’s second Heart Award having previously received the honour in 2011.
Petkovic has played an important part in Germany reaching its first Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Final since 1992, winning the opening rubber in both the first round victory over Slovakia and semifinal triumph over Australia. Her shock 61 76(7) victory over Sam Stosur proved to be the catalyst for success as No. 1 Angelique Kerber took advantage and won both her matches to give Germany an unassailable 3-0 lead.
Petkovic was presented with a cheque for US$10,000, which will be donated to her chosen charity, Help for Kids with Cancer Frankfurt. The presentation was made on Friday by ITF President Francesco Ricci Bitti after the draw ceremony for the 2014 Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Final between Czech Republic and Germany at City Hall in Prague.
Petkovic said: "I'm very happy to receive the Fed Cup Heart Award and I would like to thank everyone who voted for me! It’s great to win an award that recognises the pride I feel in competing for my country. For me and my teammates, it has always been a source of inspiration to play in our national colours and we’re very pleased with what we have accomplished in Fed Cup this year."
Petkovic was shortlisted for the award alongside Angelique Kerber (GER), Petra Kvitova (CZE) and Lucie Safarova (CZE). All four players competed in the World Group semifinals in April and helped their nation reach the Final, which is taking place at the O2 Arena in Prague on 8-9 November.
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, which ran on 13-31 October, was held on FedCup.com and FedCup.com/es to decide the winner.
A total of five Heart Awards have been presented in 2014. Petkovic follows in the footsteps of Agnieszka Radwanska (POL), Simona Halep (ROU), Teliana Pereira (BRA) and Sabina Sharipova (UZB), who were honoured earlier this year.
ITF President Francesco Ricci Bitti said: "I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Andrea for her outstanding performances for her country this year. She has played a key role in her team’s success, during which she has demonstrated her fighting qualities and a strong team spirit."
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.
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