Sevastova wins Fed Cup Heart Award for clutch Serena upset



The 2020 Fed Cup Heart Award winners were announced and Latvia's Anastasija Sevastova won the honor for the first time in her career.

She was one of four winners selected by over 17,000 public votes. The three others winners in their respective groups were: Sania Mirza (Asia/Oceania Group 1), Fernanda Contreras Gomez (Americas Group 1) and Anett Kontaveit (Europe/Africa Group 1).

As the Qualifiers Group winner Sevastova receives $3,000 to a charity of her choice, while the three other winners receive $2,000 each.

A month before the tour shutdown, Sevastova stunned Serena Williams in Fed Cup Qualifiers action in Everett, Wash.

Her 7-6 (5), 3-6, 7-6 (4) win evened the tie at 2-all. In the final rubber, Sofia Kenin and Bethanie Mattek-Sands ultimately sealed the win for the U.S. by topping Sevastova and Jelena Ostapenko.

EVERETT, WASHINGTON - FEBRUARY 08: Serena Williams of the United States and Anastasija Sevastova of Latvia shake hands after Sevastova won 7-6 (5), 3-6 and 7-6 (4) during the 2020 Fed Cup qualifier between USA and Latvia at Angel of the Winds Arena on February 08, 2020 in Everett, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
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Sevastova's clutch singles win ended a 14-match Fed Cup singles streak for Serena, which started in 1999. Sevastova has a 17-6 singles Fed Cup record, tying her for most wins with compatriot Ostapenko.

“I'm very honored to be included in the Fed Cup Heart Award this year,” Sevastova said. “It's a great achievement and privilege.”

She was nominated in the Qualifiers Group alongside Leylah Annie Fernandez, Carla Suarez Navarro and Aliaksandra Sasnovich.