Hantuchova, Radwanska, Voskoboeva, Goncalves win Fed Cup Heart Awards

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 16th April 2013

Sony Open tennis tournament on Key Biscayne, Florida

Hantuchova, Radwanska, Voskoboeva, Goncalves win Fed Cup Heart Awards

epa03633205 Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia returns a ball to Tsvetana Pironkova of Bulgaria during a first round match at the Sony Open tennis tournament in Miami, Florida, USA, 20 March 2013. EPA/ERIK S. LESSER |

The ITF has announced the first four winners of the 2013 Fed Cup Heart Award. Slovak Republic’s Daniela Hantuchova claims her second career Heart Award for her performance in the World Group and World Group II first round category, while the Zone Group I winners are Poland’s Agnieszka Radwanska, Kazakhstan’s Galina Voskoboeva and Brazil’s Paula Cristina Goncalves. The Fed Cup by BNP Paribas ties took place in February.

Hantuchova, Radwanska and Voskoboeva will all receive their awards during this weekend’s Fed Cup by BNP Paribas World Group semifinals, World Group play-offs and World Group II play-offs taking place on April 20-21.

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 recognize players who have represented their country with distinction, shown exceptional courage on court and demonstrated outstanding commitment to their team. A total of five players will be recognized in 2013.