PRAGUE, Czech Republic - Jana Novotna was presented with the 2012 Fed Cup Award of Excellence during the opening ceremony for this year's final at the O2 Arena on Saturday.

A veteran of 33 ties and member of the 1988 Fed Cup-winning Czechoslovakian team, Novotna received the award in recognition of her feats on the court as well as her status as someone who represents the ideals and spirit of the competition.

ITF President Francesco Ricci Bitti and Jane Brown Grimes, the President Emerita of the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum, presented the award to Novotna at a special ceremony prior to the start of the first singles match between the Czech Republic and Serbia.

"In addition to being a talented and successful player, Jana Novotna was a leader and role model on and off the court during a pivotal time in her nation's history," Bitti said. "She demonstrated great commitment and was an integral member of the Czech Fed Cup team for more than a decade.

"In appreciation of her contributions to tennis and to Fed Cup, we are proud to present her with the Fed Cup Award of Excellence."

Over a 12-year Fed Cup career, Novotna compiled an impressive win-loss record of 33-12, playing a key role in the title-winning Czechoslovakia side of 1988, as well as semifinal runs in 1989, 1991 and 1997.

Novotna also excelled away from the team environs, her trademark serve and volley game bringing her the Wimbledon singles title in 1998, after near misses at the All-England Club in 1993 and 1997, and at the Australian Open in 1991.

In addition to her Wimbledon trophy, Novotna won 12 Grand Slam women's doubles titles, four mixed doubles titles and achieved career-best rankings of No.2 in singles and No.1 in doubles.