The International Tennis Federation (ITF) today announced the first four recipients of the 2010 Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Heart Award:

Jelena Jankovic (SRB),
Maria-Fernanda Alves (BRA),
Kimiko Date-Krumm (JPN) and
Katarina Srebotnik (SLO).

The Heart Award judging panel made a short list of ten players in four categories and the winners were then decided by a public vote on FedCup.com and FedCup.com/es. Each winner receives a silver Baccarat bracelet and a cheque to be donated to a chosen charity. Two more players will be announced after this weekend's World Group Semifinals and World Group / World Group II Play-offs.

The Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Heart Award, which was launched at the 2009 Final, is a joint initiative between the ITF and BNP Paribas. It aims to recognise players who have represented their country with distinction, shown exceptional courage on court and demonstrated outstanding commitment to their team. American Melanie Oudin was the inaugural winner.


Francesco Ricci Bitti, ITF President, said: “I would like to congratulate the first four Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Heart Award winners of 2010. They all showed tremendous skill, commitment and character during their ties in February. In total, we received around 6,000 online votes, showing that the Heart Award is proving a great success with fans and players alike.”


(via FedCup.com)

ITF announced Heart Award Winners