World No. 2 Serena Williams and World No. 7 Vera Zvonareva have officially entered the 2009 Family Circle Cup.
Williams and Zvonareva are set to headline the Family Circle Cup, a Premier Event on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, scheduled April 11-19, 2009 at the Family Circle Tennis Center in Charleston, SC.
Serena Williams, a 9-time Grand Slam champion, returns as defending champion as she makes her sixth appearance in Charleston. Vera Zvonareva, the 2008 Olympic Bronze medalist, is making her seventh consecutive appearance at the Cup where she reached the finals in 2008.
“We’re thrilled to have both our defending champion and finalist return to lead our player field at this year’s Family Circle Cup. These world-class athletes really captivated the crowd in last year’s three-set final, and I know our fans will be thrilled to see them return to Charleston,” commented Eleanor Adams, Family Circle Cup Tournament Manager.
“Serena is one of the most electrifying female athletes in sports today, as well as an overwhelming fan-favorite at this event.”
Williams has made five appearances in Charleston, where she has accumulated $336,540 in prize money, boasts a 12-4 record, and returns to this event with a five match win streak in progress.
“I’m very happy to return to Charleston,” commented Serena Williams. “I love the atmosphere at this event and I look forward to the chance to defend my title in April.”
Throughout Vera Zvonareva’s nine-year career, she has notched seven singles titles, four doubles titles and two Fed Cup titles. This 24-year-old has amassed 315 career wins and over $5 million in career earnings.
“Vera made her mark on the WTA Tour in 2008, where she reached the Top 10 for the first time in her career. With six appearances in Charleston under her belt, her experience on Daniel Island will be a valuable asset as she makes another run at the title,” added Adams.
“I’ve had a lot of success at the Family Circle Cup and I’m excited to start my clay court season at this tournament,” stated Vera Zvonareva. “Charleston is such a beautiful city and I have a lot of great memories there.”
The Family Circle Cup will be held April 11-19, 2009 at the Family Circle Tennis Center in Charleston, South Carolina.
