Fed Cup

05/18/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/18/2022 08:31

Swiatek wins hearts of Billie Jean King Cup fans

World No. 1 Iga Swiatek has won the Billie Jean King Cup Heart Award for her dominant display during the Qualifiers in April. There were also wins in Group I for Slovenia's Kaja Juvan, India's Ankita Raina and Brazil's Beatriz Haddad Maia.

The Heart Award, which is voted for by fans, aims to recognise players who have represented their country with distinction, shown exceptional courage on court and demonstrated outstanding commitment to the team.

Playing in her first event as the newly-crowned world No. 1, Poland's Swiatek delighted the home fans on and off the court. The 20-year-old was at her scintillating best with two emphatic singles victories for the loss of just one game to guide Poland to a first appearance at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals. She also found time to sign autographs for her fans for some 30 minutes after the first match.

Swiatek said: "It's an honour for me to win the Billie Jean King Cup Heart Award. Votes from tennis fans always mean a lot to me so thank you for appreciating my game. I feel I have played much with my heart recently and I'm happy you enjoy it as I do."

As a result of the win, Swiatek received a $3,000 prize to donate to a charity of her choice. She has chosen to give the money to UNICEF Poland's Help for Ukraine fund.

There were also three winners from the regional Group I level of the competition.

Juvan, who has played Billie Jean King Cup every year since making her debut in 2017, was recognised by fans for her faultless performance in Europe/Africa Group I. The 21 year-old was undefeated in singles and even returned to the court to ensure Slovenia defeated Austria in a must-win doubles as her country finished top of Pool B to book their place in the Billie Jean King Cup Play-offs.

She said: "I am really honoured to receive this award. I love playing for my country and I am happy that this year our team connected so well and that we have another chance to play soon. It was really the team atmosphere that helped me perform well. I want to thank the fans for watching, supporting and voting for me."

Juvan will donate her prize to the Slovenian Association of Friends of Youth - an organisation that aims to improve the quality of life for young people across her country.

In Asia/Oceania Group I, it was India's Raina who triumphed in the fan vote. She bounced back from losing her first two singles matches of the event (against players ranked much higher than her), to win three matches in a row to ensure India would maintain its place in Asia/Oceania Group I.

Raina, who will be donating her $2,000 prize to the Dnyangangotri Special Kids School and the Shehjaar Homes for senior citizens, said: "I am extremely honoured and grateful to have won the Billie Jean King Cup Heart Award. Thank you so much for all the love and support over all these years!

"As a little girl, I always dreamed of representing my country and winning for my country. Awards and recognition like these motivate you to keep going behind one's passion!"

Haddad Maia became the fifth Brazilian player to win a Heart Award when fans voted in her favour. She might have been the highest-ranked player on show at the Americas Group I event in Salinas, Ecuador, but she dealt with the pressure and led Brazil to promotion thanks to winning all five matches she contested (three singles and two doubles), including two victories that sealed important wins against Argentina and Chile.

The Brazilian has yet to confirm where she will be donating her $2,000 prize.

Now in its 13th year, the Billie Jean King Cup Heart Award winners have donated over $200,000 to charities worldwide.