Fernandez, Back, Peterson and Riera named Heart Award winners

The winners of the Billie Jean King Cup Heart Award for the 2023 Qualifiers and regional Group I events have been announced after nearly 25,000 fans voted for their favourite players

Canada's Leylah Fernandez won the Qualifiers Heart Award ahead of Czechia's Barbora Krejcikova and the Slovenian duo of Kaja Juvan and Tamara Zidansek. Fernandez won all three matches she played as Canada overcame Belgium 3-2 to qualify for the Finals in Seville later this year.

Back Dayeon of Korea Rep. won the Heart Award for the Asia/Oceania Group I event, while Sweden's Rebecca Peterson was victorious in the Europe/Africa Group I event and Argentina's Julia Riera emerged triumphant in Americas Group I. All three players were instrumental in securing a place for their nations in November's Play-offs.

The Billie Jean King Cup Heart Award aims to honour players who have represented their country with distinction, shown exceptional courage on court and demonstrated outstanding commitment to the team. Heart Award winners receive a donation from the ITF to a charity of their choice ($3,000 for the Qualifiers winner, $2,000 for the Group I winners).

Qualifiers Heart Award winner: Leylah Fernandez (CAN)

For Fernandez, success in the poll of Billie Jean King Cup fans marks the second time she has won the Heart Award, having also been recognised for her performance in the 2021 Billie Jean King Cup Play-offs. She is one of three Canadian players to have won the Heart Award (alongside Bianca Andreescu and Eugenie Bouchard) and the first Canadian player to have done so on multiple occasions.

"I am so grateful to have been voted as the winner of the Billie Jean King Cup Heart Award for the second time," she said Fernandez.

"Playing for Canada always brings out the best in me as there's nothing like being part of a team and competing together. I'm excited to donate this cheque to our Fernandez Family Foundation to improve access to sport for those in need. Thank you to everyone who voted!"

Asia/Oceania Group I Heart Award winner: Back Dayeon (KOR)

Back, who won two of the three matches she contested on her Billie Jean King Cup debut to help the Korean team to promotion, was voted the Heart Award winner from Asia/Oceania Group I ahead of Japan's Mai Hontama. She becomes the first Korean player to win the Heart Award and has nominated the Suwon Church in Korea as her charity.

"It's such an honour to play for Korea for the first time as a member of the national team," she said. "I'm so surprised and still can't believe that I am the first Korean player to win the Billie Jean King Cup Heart Award.

"I think I was able to receive this award thanks to our Korean team, who trusted and supported each other. I think it's for the Korean team, not just for me."

Europe/Africa Group I Heart Award winner: Rebecca Peterson (SWE)

Peterson led Sweden to the Play-offs for the first time since their relegation from World Group II in 2015, winning three of the four matches she played at the Europe/Africa Group I event in Antalya. She prevailed in an incredibly tight poll against Netherlands' Suzan Lamens, winning by just 137 votes out of a total of more than 20,000. 

"I feel very honored to have received this award. It has always been a dream of mine to represent my country in the world's biggest events. I hope me and the other Swedish girls can inspire many kids to start playing tennis knowing everything is possible. Dare to dream and good things will happen."

"I have chosen to donate $2000 to the charity Maskrosbarn. It’s an organisation that takes care of children who get exposed to violence in their own home. Maskrosbarn gives the support, safety and community that the children need in order to see a bright future filled with opportunities and dreams. It is important for children to be a part of a supporting community in order for them to grow and develop. Every child deserves to get a fair chance to experience that."

Peterson is the second Swedish player to win the Heart Award, after Sofia Arvidsson also won in the Europe/Africa Group I category in 2012.

Americas Group I Heart Award winner: Julia Riera (ARG)

Riera won all six matches she played, dropping just one set, as Argentina dominated the Americas Group I event in Cucuta. She too triumphed by a very narrow margin, winning 51% of the vote against Colombia's Emiliana Arango.

Riera is the second Argentinian player to win the Heart Award, after Nadia Podoroska also won in the Americas Group I category in 2016.

"Honestly, it is a great pride to win this important award," Riera said. "I want to thank everyone who voted for me and I hope I can collaborate and help people in need with this award."

Riera's choice of charity is to be confirmed.