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
- 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)
Sanchez recognised in 2011
Emilio Sanchez was presented with the 2011 Davis Cup Award of Excellence at the Final between Spain and Argentina in Seville.
A member of one of Spain’s most prominent tennis families, Sanchez competed in Davis Cup for his nation 24 times between 1984 and 1996, compiling a 32–23 record.
In 2005, he took on the role of captain, and in 2008, he led the Spanish team to the Davis Cup title in Mar del Plata.
“Emilio Sanchez was a great contributor to the Davis Cup for nearly two decades, as a player, captain and dedicated supporter of the event,” said ITF President Francesco Ricci Bitti.
Sanchez was also one of Spain's most celebrated players. He won three Grand Slam doubles titles - 1988 and 1990 Roland Garros and the 1988 US Open - as well as the men’s doubles silver medal with Sergio Casal at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul.
He captured a remarkable 50 doubles titles during his career and was ranked world No. 1. In singles, he won 15 titles and reached a world ranking of No. 7.