|
CHARLESTON, SC (January 12, 2010) – Current World No. 1 and 2008 Family Circle Cup Champion Serena Williams has officially entered the 2010 Charleston event. Williams joins former World No. 1 Maria Sharapova, current World No. 4 Caroline Wozniacki, World No. 7 Victoria Azarenka, and 18-year-old American standout Melanie Oudin as a world class player field continues to assemble on Daniel Island to mark the tournament’s 38th consecutive year and 10th year in Charleston.
The Family Circle Cup, a Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Premier Event, is scheduled April 10-18, 2010 at the Family Circle Tennis Center in historic Charleston, South Carolina.
“Serena is one of the most electrifying athletes in sports today, as well as an overwhelming fan-favorite at this event,” said Eleanor Adams, Family Circle Cup Tournament Manager. “We’re very excited to have the World No. 1 player and a former Cup champion join our player field as we celebrate our 10th year in Charleston.”
Throughout her illustrious 15-year career, Serena Williams’ accomplishments have made an indelible mark on women’s professional tennis. With 35 singles titles, including eleven majors - the most among active players, this 28-year-old superstar has notched 449 singles victories and leads the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour with over $28.5 million in career earnings, the most of any female tennis player in history, and more than any other female athlete in any sport.
In 2009, Williams became the second player in WTA Tour history to eclipse $5 million in prize money earnings in a single season. With a prize money total of $6,545,586, she far surpassed the previous record set by Justine Henin in 2007 ($5,429,586). Williams has also won Olympic gold medals for the USA in doubles (w/partner Venus Williams) at the 2000 and 2008 games.
Williams’ 2009 season was highlighted by singles titles at the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the Tour Championships, as well as doubles titles at the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and US Open. She also captured the year-end World No. 1 ranking, marking the second time in her career she achieved this feat and the ninth time in her career she finished in the Top 10.
“Serena is a true champion who brings excitement to every tournament she enters,” added Adams.
Williams has made five previous appearances in Charleston where she has accumulated $336,540 in prize money, boasts a 12-4 record, and returns to this event with an active five match win streak in progress. Her
Cup earnings rank her at No. 7 among Family Circle Cup money leaders.
Williams was named the 2004 Family Circle / Prudential Financial “Player Who Makes a Difference” for her outstanding contributions of time and energy to worthy charitable causes. Cultivating her philanthropic influence, Williams opened a much-needed secondary school in Kenya in 2008. Her efforts to bring education to as many children as possible remains an ongoing initiative. While competing in Charleston, she has participated in many clinics and has made appearances at schools as well as charitable and community events.
“Charleston is such a beautiful city, and I love the atmosphere at this event, so I’m very happy to return to the Family Circle Cup,” commented Serena Williams. “I have so many wonderful memories there, both on and off the court.”
Family Circle Cup Ticket Packages are now on-sale, and individual session tickets will be available beginning at 10:00am on Friday, January 15th. Fans can visit familycirclecup.com for continuous updates on ticket information and player commitments as the tournament approaches.
The Family Circle Cup is scheduled April 10-18, 2010 at the Family Circle Tennis Center in Charleston, SC.
The Family Circle Tennis Center is a public facility owned by the City of Charleston and operated by Meredith Corporation that also hosts a variety of additional events including concerts, festivals, tennis tournaments and other activities throughout the year. With over 21 million readers, Family Circle is one of the most widely read monthly magazines in America and is one of 14 leading subscription magazines owned by Meredith Corporation.
The Tennis Center features a 10,200 seat stadium, Grand Lawn, 17 tennis courts lighted for night play, racquet club, Pro Shop, and a full service event management staff capable of handling all aspects of an event including ticketing, operations, sales, marketing, public relations, and food & beverage.
For tickets or more info on the Family Circle Cup or Tennis Center, call (843) 856-7900.
You may also find information on this year's tournament at www.familycirclecup.com
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
