By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Wednesday, December 21, 2022
It takes coronary heart to play on your nation.
This yr, Australia’s Storm Sanders and Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia took it next-level, profitable the Billie Jean King Cup Heart Award.
Sanders received the award for her efficiency within the BJK Cup Finals; Haddad Maia took house accolades for her achievements within the Play-Offs.
Sanders received three of 4 matches within the Billie Jean King Cup Finals as she guided Australia to the finals. Ranked 237, every of Sanders three wins got here in opposition to higher-ranked gamers. In the ultimate in opposition to Switzerland she was edged by Thirty fifth-ranked Jil Teichmann, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3.
Congratulations @stormsanders94 ⛈????????
The #BJKCup Heart Award recognises gamers who’ve represented their nation with distinction, distinctive braveness and excellent dedication ????
— Billie Jean King Cup (@BJKCup) December 19, 2022
“It is a large honor to obtain it as a result of for me representing my nation and my staff is one thing that I dreamed of,’ Sanders stated.
Haddad Maia, who completed the season at No.15 within the WTA rankings, was undefeated at Billie Jean King Cup in 2022. She additionally received the Heart Award for her efficiency within the Americas Group in April.
Parabéns Haddad Maia! ????
The first participant to win the #BJKCup Heart Award twice in a single season ????????@biahaddad1 | @cbtenis
— Billie Jean King Cup (@BJKCup) December 19, 2022
“This award is so particular as a result of it says a lot in regards to the perspective and worth of gamers. It provides me motivation to maintain sturdy and to chase new objectives for 2023,” the 26-year-old stated.