Samantha Stosur honored with Fed Cup Award of Excellence
Samantha Stosur, Australia’s most successful Fed Cup by BNP Paribas singles player, was presented with the 2019 Fed Cup Award of Excellence by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and the International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF) on the eve of the 2019 Fed Cup final in Perth.
The ITF and the ITHF annually present the Fed Cup Award of Excellence to a representative from the host nation of the Final who has shown great dedication to Fed Cup by BNP Paribas and who represents the ideals and spirit of the competition.
The award was presented during the draw ceremony for the 2019 Fed Cup final between seven-time champions Australia, playing their first final since 1993.
ITF President David Haggerty presented the award, stating "This year, I am delighted that the award will be presented to a current player who holds the record for the most Fed Cup singles match wins by an Australian, and is recognized for the pride and passion with which she has represented Australia for 16 years."
Stosur has played 31 ties for the Australian Fed Cup team since 2003, compiling a 29-20 win-loss record in singles and a perfect 8-0 record in doubles.
Upon receiving the honor, Stosur said. “It’s a real privilege to be able to represent my country over so many years, so to be recognized for this over so many great tennis players around the world is a real honor, so thank you very much.
“I’ve always loved representing my country,” she added, before looking to her team-mates for the showdown with France in Perth. “I’m very lucky to have been able to do it for so many years, and be part of so many great teams – thanks for being a fantastic team currently, and I also want to thank all my previous team-mates for making all these weeks so special."
In addition to her Fed Cup success, Stosur is also a four-time Olympian, having played at the Athens, Beijing, London and Rio Olympics tennis events. She reached the singles third round at Rio 2016 and the mixed doubles quarter-finals at London 2012.
Stosur ended the 2019 WTA season ranked inside the world’s top 100 for a 16th consecutive year, the second-longest active streak behind Serena Williams. The Brisbane native was her nation’s No.1-ranked player between October 2008 and June 2017, during which time she reached the 2010 Roland Garros final and won the 2011 US Open title. In addition to her US Open title, Stosur has won three Grand Slam doubles titles and three mixed doubles titles. She has won a combined total of 38 titles on the WTA Tour: nine in singles, 26 in doubles and three in mixed doubles.
"There is no greater privilege and responsibility for an athlete than to represent one’s country," International Tennis Hall of Fame CEO Todd Martin said. "As her results and longevity in Fed Cup shows, Sam has put her full heart into representing Australia over the years. She has consistently embodied the spirit of Fed Cup as a great teammate and dedicated competitor for her nation. It is a pleasure to recognize her contributions and accomplishments with this Fed Cup Award of Excellence."
Past recipients of the Fed Cup Award of Excellence have been Tatiana Poutchek of Belarus in 2017; Nathalie Tauziat of France in 2016; Petra Pala, Czech Republic captain, in 2015; Helena Sukova of the Czech Republic in 2014; Corrado Barazzutti of Italy in 2013; Jana Novotna of the Czech Republic in 2012; Anastasia Myskina of Russia in 2011; Billie Jean King of the United States in 2010; Mary Joe Fernandez of the United States and Silvia Farina of Italy in 2009; Miguel Margets of Spain in 2008; Lea Pericoli of Italy in 2007; Sabine Appelmans of Belgium in 2006; Françoise "Frankie" Dürr of France in 2005; Olga Morozova of Russia in 2004; Larisa Savchenko of Latvia in 2003; Virginia Wade of Great Britain in 2002; and Spain's Arantxa Sanchez Vicario and Conchita Martinez in 2001.
