Serena Williams To Play Feature Match During 35th Anniversary Celebration Kick-Off Event
For Immediate Release, April 2008
CHARLESTON, SC (April 10, 2008) – Serena Williams has been scheduled to compete in the feature match of the evening during the Family Circle Cup’s 35th Anniversary Kick-Off Celebration on Tuesday, April 15th. Justine Henin has been forced to withdraw from the Family Circle Cup due to a right knee inflammation. The Family Circle Cup is scheduled April 12th - 20th, 2008 at the Family Circle Tennis Center in Charleston, South Carolina.
Williams, a former World No. 1 and 8-time Grand Slam Champion who won her fifth Sony Ericsson Open title in Miami on April 5th, will be making her fifth appearance in Charleston. The Family Circle Cup, scheduled to begin later this week, continues to have a strong player field including defending champion Jelena Jankovic and Australian Open Champion Maria Sharapova contending for this historic Tier I championship.
“Coming off her recent victory in Miami, Serena will enter this year’s Cup with some great momentum and we are delighted that she will be a part of our marquee singles match during our special 35th Anniversary Kick-Off Celebration,” said Robin Reynolds, Family Circle Cup Tournament Director. “It is unfortunate that Justine will have to miss this year’s Cup, but our player field is incredibly strong with the perfect blend of seasoned veterans and up and coming stars.”
“I’m disappointed I will not be able to play the Family Circle Cup this year, as it’s one of my favorite stops on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour with some of the most supportive fans,” said Justine Henin. “Unfortunately I have some pain in the right knee that requires some rest. I really hope to be back in Charleston next year.”
The Family Circle Cup, scheduled April 12-20, 2008, will be held at the Family Circle Tennis Center in Charleston, South Carolina. The Family Circle Tennis Center is a public facility owned by the City of Charleston and operated by Meredith Corporation that hosts a variety of events including concerts, festivals, tennis tournaments and other activities on a year-round basis. With over 21 million readers, Family Circle is one of the most widely read magazines in America, and is one of 14 leading subscription magazines owned by Meredith Corporation. The Tennis Center features a 10,200 seat stadium, a Grand Lawn, 17 courts lighted for night play, a racquet club featuring a full service pro shop, and locker room facilities. More information on the Family Circle Cup or Tennis Center is available at (843) 856-7900 or familycirclecup.com.
