Press releases

MINSK, 13 November (BelTA) - Belarusian tennis star Tatiana Poutchek was presented with the Fed Cup Award of Excellence by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and the International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF) at the 2017 Fed Cup Final in Minsk on 12 November, BelTA has learned.

The award was presented on court ahead of the second day of play at the 2017 Final at Minsk's Chizhovka Arena by ITF President David Haggerty and 2010 International Tennis Hall of Fame inductee and Australian tennis star Mark Woodforde, who represented the Hall of Fame. The award is presented in recognition of tennis players’ outstanding achievements in team competitions.

Tatiana Poutchek competed in 45 Fed Cup by BNP Paribas ties for Belarus. She was a key competitor for the nation every year between 1997 and 2011, compiling a record of 28-7 in doubles and 9-8 in singles. In 2008 she together with Victoria Azarenka played in the doubles event at the Beijing Olympics. Tatiana Poutchek won eight WTA doubles titles. She served as captain of the Belarus Fed Cup team in 2012-2015, leading the team to win 10 out of 14 ties in that time, a run which propelled the team into World Group competition.

“I am extremely honored to have represented my country in Fed Cup, first as a player and then as captain. To therefore win this award means so much to me, particularly when the world is taking notice of Belarus tennis. We have a great opportunity to grow this amazing sport in our country and I will continue to help do that however I can,” Tatiana Poutchek said.

“As a dedicated competitor and later as a committed coach, Tatiana exemplified the spirit of Fed Cup competition and represented Belarus at an incredibly high level. On behalf of the International Tennis Federation we are very pleased to celebrate Tatiana’s achievements and contributions to Fed Cup over the years by presenting her with the well-deserved Fed Cup Award of Excellence," ITF President David Haggerty said.

Todd Martin, CEO of the International Tennis Hall of Fame stressed: "There is no greater privilege and responsibility for an athlete than to represent one’s country. As her results and longevity in the sport show, Tatiana has put her full heart into representing Belarus. It is a pleasure to recognize her contributions and accomplishments with this Fed Cup Award of Excellence."