World No. 7 Serena Williams & World No. 8 Venus Williams Enter 2008 Family Circle Cup
For Immediate Release, January 2008www.familycirclecup.com
Four Top 10 Players Headline Family Circle Cup 35th Anniversary Celebration
Two more marquis players have signed on to compete in this year’s historic 35th anniversary celebration at the Family Circle Cup. World No. 7 Serena Williams and World No. 8 Venus Williams have officially entered the 2008 Family Circle Cup. As former World No. 1 players with 14 Grand Slam titles between them, they join World No. 1 Justine Henin in a strong player field that now boasts three women who have held this prestigious ranking. Serena Williams is an 8-time Grand Slam champion who is making her fifth appearance in Charleston. Venus Williams is a 6-time Grand Slam champion making her fourth appearance at the Cup where she won the title in 2004. The 2008 Family Circle Cup draw will also include defending champion and current World No. 4 Jelena Jankovic as it celebrates its over three decades in women’s professional tennis April 12 - 20th at the Family Circle Tennis Center in Charleston, SC.
“Serena and Venus Williams are true champions who bring excitement to every tournament they enter,” noted Robin Reynolds, Family Circle Cup Tournament Director. “Each sister has had great success at the Cup and they both have such a huge fan base here at this event. Having these two superstars enter our tournament makes our 35th anniversary even more special.”
Throughout her illustrious career, Serena Williams’ accomplishments have made an indelible mark on the world of women’s professional tennis. With 28 singles titles including eight Grand Slam championships, the most among active players, this 26-year-old former World No. 1 has notched over 350 singles wins, $18 million in career earnings, and also won a US Olympic Gold medal with her sister Venus in doubles at the 2000 Olympic Games. Having spent seven years in the Top 10, including 2007 where her dramatic comeback was highlighted by a return to the Top 10 driven by her third Australian Open championship and the Tier I Sony Ericsson Open title in Miami, Serena continues to be a major contender at any event she enters.
“I really enjoy playing in Charleston and can’t wait to return,” commented Serena Williams. “I have so many wonderful memories from that event both on and off the court.”
Serena has made four appearances in Charleston and holds a 7-4 record at this event having notched her best result as a finalist at the 2003 Family Circle Cup. She 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. While competing in Charleston, Serena has participated in many clinics and has made numerous appearances at schools as well as charitable and community organizations. Serena co-starred with her sister in an ABC Family reality TV show "Venus and Serena: For Real" in 2005, part of which was filmed in Charleston.
Throughout Venus Williams’ incredible career, her stunning accomplishments are numerous on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour. With 36 singles titles including six Grand Slam championships, this 27-year-old former World No. 1 has amassed over 475 wins, $18 million in career earnings, and won a US Olympic Gold medal with her sister Serena in doubles at the 2000 Olympic Games. Having also spent seven years in the Top 10, including the 2007 season highlighted by her third Wimbledon championship and titles at Memphis and Seoul, Venus continues to be an imposing force on the WTA Tour.
“The Family Circle Cup is a great tournament and I really love spending time in Charleston,” stated Venus Williams. “The environment at the tournament has always been great, and I look forward to coming back in April for another chance at the title.”
After claiming the 2004 Family Circle Cup title in her first appearance and reaching the semifinals in Charleston during the 2007 event, Venus now holds an impressive 10-2 record on Daniel Island. In 2004, as part of the Family Circle Cup Community Outreach program, $20,000 was donated in Venus' name to the Charleston County School District’s School of the Arts, the Minority Business Development program, and Dress-for-Success. Over the years, Venus has also made appearances at a number of local events in Charleston all aimed at benefiting children.
The 2008 Family Circle Cup will be held April 12th - 20th 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 Family Circle Magazine that hosts a variety of events including concerts, festivals, tennis events and other special 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, a Grand Lawn, 17 tennis courts lighted for night play, a beach tennis court, a racquet club featuring a full service pro shop, and locker room facilities. Ticket packages, individual session tickets, business hospitality options, and sponsorship opportunities are now available. For more information on the Family Circle Cup or Tennis Center, please call (843) 856-7900 or visit us on-line at www.familycirclecup.com.
