Venus Williams enters 2013 Family Circle Cup

Venus Williams, a former No. 1 player in the world and 2004 Family Circle Cup champion, officially entered the 2013 tournament on Daniel Island.

Williams joins World No. 9 Samantha Stosur, who announced earlier that she would return for the 41st Family Circle Cup to be played March 30 through April 7 at the Family Circle Tennis Center.

“Venus is a tennis superstar with adoring fans and passion for the game, which makes it so exciting to watch her compete,” said Eleanor Adams, Family Circle Cup tournament manager. “I know our fans at the Cup are eager to have her return again in 2013.”

Williams is gaining momentum again after winning in Copenhagen last month for her first tournament title in nearly two years. Ranked at No. 103 at the end of the 2011 season, Williams finished this season No. 24 in the WTA singles rankings.

Williams’ tennis career has spanned over the last two decades, leaving an indisputable mark on the world of women’s professional tennis. With 44 singles titles, including 14 majors, Williams has won four gold medals in the Olympic Games, capturing the latest this summer in London alongside sister Serena Williams.

“I’m thrilled to return again to the Family Circle Cup,” said Williams. “2013 will mark my sixth time competing in Charleston. It’s a tournament that feels like home to me, and one that I always look forward to playing in.”

In her five previous appearances in Charleston, Williams has accumulated an impressive 14-4 record. In 2012, she made it to the quarterfinals before losing to Stosur.

Williams is one of five women to win the Cup in a debut appearance.

For information on the Family Circle Cup, go to familycirclecup.com or call (843) 849-5308. A special holiday package has just been released, giving the public the opportunity to watch tennis 100 ft. above center-court, from one of the exclusive sky suites at the Family Circle Tennis Center.