Nine players to be awarded Davis Cup Commitment awards by ITF

The ITF will present athletes with Davis Cup Commitment awards at this weekend's ties ©ITF

Nine players are set to be presented with Davis Cup Commitment awards by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) during this weekend’s World Group semi-finals and play-offs, as well as at the zone group ties today.

The award was established as part of the governing body’s centenary celebrations in 2013 and aims to reward players for their long-standing dedication to representing their country in the competition.

Players need to have competed in a minimum of 20 home-and-away ties or 50 ties at any level of the competition, which includes week-long zone group events, during their career.

Colombia’s Alejandro Falla and Santiago Giraldo are both set to receive the award during their World Group play-off match against Japan in front of their home crowd in Pereira, while the Dominican Republic’s Jhonson Garcia will be presented with his award before the doubles rubber in their tie against Germany in Santo Domingo.

Should Poland’s Lukas Kubot compete in his team’s tie against Slovakia in Gdynia, he will also be presented with the award having participated in his 20th tie.

Chile’s Patricio Cornejo, Jaime Fillol, Fernando Gonzalez, Nicolas Massu and Marcelo Rios will be presented with their awards on September 23, when the draw for the 2016 Davis Cup is held in their capital city Santiago.

“The Davis Cup Commitment Award reflects the dedication by players for more than a century to represent their country in this prestigious competition,” said Francesco Ricci Bitti, ITF President, whose successor will be announced next week.

Poland's Lukas Kubot will receive his award should he compete in his 20th tie ©Getty Images

“These players have continued to rise to the unique challenge of competing in a team environment in front of their home fans, and we believe that it is fitting to recognise their efforts.”

The first seven awards were given to players in an on-court presentation at the 100th edition Davis Cup final in Prague in 2012.

San Marino’s Domenico Vicini, the record holder for most ties played at all levels of the event with 93 appearances, and Italy’s Nicola Pietrangeli, who has competed in 66 home or away ties for his country were among the first winners.

Four teams remain in contention to win the 2015 edition of the Davis Cup with Britain hosting Australia in their semi-final match, while Argentina face Belgium in Brussels.