January 13, 2010

Serena commits to 2010 Family Circle Cup

Serena Williams, the top-ranked player in women's tennis, has committed to play in the 2010 Family Circle Cup, scheduled April 10-18 at the Family Circle Tennis Center on Daniel Island. Williams won the 2008 Family Circle Cup and has 35 career singles titles, including 11 majors, the most among active players.

"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."

Williams, 28, has made five previous appearances in Charleston, where she has accumulated $336,540 in prize money (seventh in tournament history), boasts a 12-4 record and returns to this event with an active FCC five-match win streak. “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,” she said. “I have so many wonderful memories there, both on and off the court.”

During her 15-year career, Williams has earned 449 singles victories and has won more than $28.5 million on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, the most of any female tennis player and more than any other female athlete in any sport.

Last year Williams won $6.5 million, surpassing the previous record of Justine Henin by more than $1 million. She had wins in the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the Tour Championship. It was the second time Williams has ended the year ranked No. 1 and the ninth time she has finished in the top 10. Williams also has earned gold medals in doubles with her sister, Venus, in the 2000 and 2008 Olympics.

- The Post and Courier

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