The Award of Excellence, inaugurated by the ITF and International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2001, is presented to past and present members of a Davis Cup team who best represent the ideals and spirit of the competition.
Honour roll
- 2012: Ivan Lendl (CZE)
- 2011: Emilio Sanchez (ESP)
- 2010: Slobodan Zivojinovic (SRB)
- 2009: Manuel Orantes (ESP)
- 2008: Guillermo Vilas (ARG)
- 2007: Stan Smith (USA)
- 2006: Alex Metreveli (URS)
- 2005: Goran Ivanisevic (CRO) and Miroslav Mecir (SVK)
- 2004: Manuel Santana (ESP)
- 2003: John Newcombe (AUS)
- 2002: Piere Darmon (FRA)
- 2001: Neale Fraser (AUS)
Lendl wins 2012 award
Ivan Lendl was presented with the 2012 Davis Cup Award of Excellence at the 100th Davis Cup by BNP Paribas Final in Prague.
Lendl competed for eight consecutive years on the Czechoslovakian team, from 1978 – 1985. In 1980, he led the team to its only Davis Cup title, defeating Italy in the final in Prague after a major upset over Argentina in the semifinals.
He also helped his country reach the semifinals in 1984 and 1985. During his Davis Cup years, Lendl was always a key component of the Czech team and he recorded a winning record of 22-15 overall, winning 18 singles matches and 4 doubles matches.
Often regarded among the greatest tennis players in the history of the game, Lendl was ranked world No. 1 for 270 weeks. He won eight Grand Slam titles over the course of his career, and an incredible total of 94 singles titles.
He was known for his discipline and drive, and he brought a higher level of awareness for the importance of fitness to the sport. Lendl was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2001.