Jankovic Wins Her Second Fed Cup Heart Award

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 2nd November 2012

Jankovic Wins Her Second Fed Cup Heart Award

epa03409629 Jelena Jankovic of Serbia returns to Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland during their second round match of the Pan Pacific Open tennis tournament in Tokyo, Japan, 25 September 2012. EPA/KIMIMASA MAYAMA |

The ITF today announced that Serbia’s Jelena Jankovic has become the first player to win two Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Heart Awards in recognition of her performance during Serbia’s semifinal victory against Russia in Moscow in April.

Jankovic, who is unbeaten in Fed Cup for two years in singles and doubles, was instrumental in sealing Serbia ’s place in its first Fed Cup Final. The former world No. 1, who holds the record for the most Fed Cup singles victories for Serbia , won both her singles matches against Russia , including the decisive third point against Svetlana Kuznetsova.

Jankovic, who previously won a Heart Award in 2010, was presented with a check for US$10,000, which will be donated to her chosen charity, the Child Oncology Department at the Clinical Center of Serbia. The presentation was made by ITF President Francesco Ricci Bitti after the draw ceremony for the 2012 Fed Cup Final at the Old Town Hall in Prague .

Jankovic said: “I’m so honored to be given this award for the second time. I love playing for my country and giving my best. Now that we are in the final it’s a very special moment for us and winning the Heart Award makes it even more special. I would like to dedicate this award to the Serbian people who have been my inspiration throughout this year’s Fed Cup.”

A total of five Heart Awards have been presented in 2012. Jankovic follows in the footsteps of Daniela Hantuchova (SVK), Sofia Arvidsson (SWE), Catalina Castano (COL) and Li Na (CHN), who were honoured earlier this year.

The Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Heart Award is a joint initiative between BNP Paribas and the ITF. It aims to recognize players who have represented their country with distinction, shown exceptional courage on court and demonstrated outstanding commitment to their team.