Former Champions Nadia Petrova And Sabine Lisicki Enter Family Circle Cup

Petrova Looking for Third Consecutive Doubles Title in Charleston

CHARLESTON, SC – March 7, 2011 – Nadia Petrova and Sabine Lisicki have officially entered the Family Circle Cup.  Petrova, who received direct entry via her World No. 20 ranking, was a singles champion at this event in 2006, as well as doubles champion in 2009 and 2010.  Lisicki, who accepted a main draw wild card from the tournament, claimed the singles title in 2009 and returns with an active six-match win streak in progress.  These former champions join World No. 4 and defending champion Samantha Stosur, World No. 6 and 2007 Champion Jelena Jankovic, Maria Sharapova, Shahar Peer, Daniela Hantuchova, and Melanie Oudin in a stellar player field headed to Daniel Island.  Marking the tournament’s 39th consecutive year, the Family Circle Cup is scheduled April 2-10, 2011 at the Family Circle Tennis Center in the Best Tennis Town in America, Charleston, SC.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Nadia Petrova and Sabine Lisicki back to Charleston,” commented Eleanor Adams, Family Circle Cup Tournament Manager. “Both of these athletes have enjoyed tremendous success at this event, and I’m sure our fans will look forward to seeing them compete here once again.  Their experience on Daniel Island will be a valuable asset as they make their bids for this year’s title.”

Throughout her 13-year WTA career, 28-year-old Petrova has notched nine singles titles and nineteen doubles titles, 460 singles victories, and over 9 million in prize money.  She has finished in the Top 20 for eight consecutive seasons, ranking as high as No. 3 in 2006.  Petrova’s 2010 season featured quarterfinalist appearances at the Australian Open and Roland Garros, a third round finish at Wimbledon, and a year-end World No. 15 ranking.  Her 2011 campaign has been highlighted by reaching the third round at the Australian Open.  She is competing this week at Indian Wells, and her official web site is PetrovaDreamTeam.com.

Petrova, the 2006 Family Circle Cup Champion, is making her seventh appearance in Charleston.  She has reached the quarterfinals three times, holds a 12-5 record at the tournament, and owns a .706 winning percentage at this event.  Petrova won the doubles title in 2009 with Bethanie Mattek-Sands, and again in 2010 with Liezel Huber.

“I always enjoy returning to the Family Circle Cup,” said Petrova. “I really love the fans and the atmosphere, and it’s just an exciting place to play tennis.”

Lisicki has accumulated 144 singles victories and nearly $1,000,000 in prize money in her professional career, which began in 2006, and posted a career-high ranking at World No. 22 in August of 2009 on the strength of a quarterfinal run at Wimbledon that year.  She is currently ranked as the World No. 218 player, and will compete in Indian Wells this week via a wild card invitation.

Her 2009 Charleston title resulted in a 6-0 record and active winning streak at this tournament, and a $187,815 payday for defeating Caroline Wozniacki in the final as she became the 19th Family Circle Cup Champion.  She also made an impact on tournament record books by reaching the finals and winning the event in her first appearance, becoming the lowest-ranked player to win the title at World No. 63, and, as the No. 16 seed, established herself as the lowest seeded player to win the Family Circle Cup.

Lisicki’s official web site is SabineLisicki.com, and her social media involvement can be viewed at Facebook.com/sabinelisicki, and Twitter.com/sabinelisicki.

“I’m so excited to compete in the Family Circle Cup again,” said Lisicki.  “It was such a disappointment to miss this event last year, but I’m looking forward to picking up where I left off, and making another run at this historic title.”

Ticket packages, travel packages, individual session tickets, and Game, Set, Rock! Tennis. Amplified. presented by Dove tickets are on-sale now at familycirclecup.com, where fans can also visit for continuous updates on player commitments as the event approaches.

The Family Circle Tennis Center

The Family Circle Tennis Center, home of the Family Circle Cup, 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.  Charleston, South Carolina bested 81 U.S. cities in being voted the Best Tennis Town in America in the United States Tennis Association’s (USTA) 2010 contest.  The Family Circle Cup receives four days of live broadcast domestically on ESPN2, and is viewed internationally by over 25 countries, featuring over 140 hours of live and delayed global broadcast time, reaching 4.33 million viewers worldwide.  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, 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, call (843) 856-7900 or visit familycirclecup.com.