Petrova and Schnyder enter Family Circle Cup

Nadia Petrova and Patty Schnyder have officially entered Charleston. Petrova was a Family Circle Cup Champion in 2006, and Patty Schnyder, a two-time finalist and fan-favorite on Daniel Island, is making her 14th consecutive appearance at this event. These veterans add to a world-class player field including Top 10 players Serena Williams, Caroline Wozniacki, Victoria Azarenka, and Jelena Jankovic. The Family Circle Cup, a Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Premier Event, is scheduled April 10-18, 2010 at the Family Circle Tennis Center in Charleston, SC.

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

Currently ranked No. 19 in the world, Petrova has finished in the Top 20 for seven consecutive seasons, ranking as high as No. 3 in 2006. In her career, she notched nine singles titles and eighteen doubles titles, earning over $8 million in prize money. Petrova recently reached the quarterfinals at the 2010 Australian Open.

Petrova, the 2006 Family Circle Cup Champion, is making her sixth appearance in Charleston. She has reached the quarterfinals twice, holds an 11-4 record at the tournament, and has notched a .714 winning percentage.  Petrova also won the doubles title in 2009 with partner Bethanie Mattek-Sands.

“Charleston is such a beautiful place and I’ve always enjoyed the city’s history and charm,” commented Nadia Petrova. “The Family Circle Cup is a great event and I am excited to be part of the tournament’s 10th year in Charleston.”

During Schnyder’s 15-year career, she has finished the season ranked in the Top 20 eight times, ranking as high as No. 7 in 2005. She has 11 WTA Tour singles titles and compiled over $8 million in prize money. Her 2009 season was highlighted by a semifinal appearance at Madrid and a final appearance at Budapest. She is currently ranked No. 48 in the world.

Making her 14th consecutive appearance at the Family Circle Cup, Schnyder ranks second in consecutive tournament’s played, behind Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario who holds the mark at 16. Schnyder holds a 27-13 record in Charleston, reaching the finals in 2002 and 2006, and the semifinals in 2004 and 2005. She ranks third in overall tournament prize money at $438,351. 

“I always enjoy returning to the Family Circle Cup,” commented Patty Schnyder. “I love the fans and the atmosphere. It is an exciting place to play tennis.”

Family Circle Cup Ticket Packages and Individual Session Tickets are on-sale now.  Fans can visit familycirclecup.com for tickets and player commitment updates as the tournament approaches.