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This week's Family Circle Cup offers more than just tennis
The Post and Courier
I can sum up my knowledge of tennis in two words: Andy Roddick. Unfortunately, due to the rules and regulations set forth in the Family Circle Cup tournament manual, Andy won't be competing on Daniel Island this year — or any year, for that matter. The all-women's professional tennis tournament, which celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, serves up the first match Saturday and runs through April 20. Put in simple mathematical terms: Eight days of matches multiplied by more than 50 players competing for a purse of $1.34 million dollars equals a lot more tennis than I care to watch, especially if A-Rod (the one with the racket, not the baseball bat) isn't going to be cavorting around the court. But such is the beauty of the Family Circle Cup. If you know that a can opener is a serve hit by a right-handed player with a slice landing on or near the intersection of the singles tramline and service line in the deuce court, the Family Circle Cup has something for you. More than just a tennis tournament, the Family Circle Cup is an eight-day festival filled with fashion shows, family activities and pre- and post-game fun for all ages. Babes on a Budget Children's Tennis Benevent Where: Victoria's Consignments, 920 Houston Northcutt Blvd., Mount Pleasant. When: 2-6:30 p.m. Friday, drop-in. Cost: Free; donations accepted. Shop for spring designer fashions for the Family Circle Cup, sip champagne and donate tennis balls and rackets to the Mount Pleasant Recreation Department's Tennis Center. The center's tennis director, Jimmy Millar, or a tennis pro will be at Victoria's at 3 p.m. Here's your chance to make a difference in a young tennis player's life. Lacoste Fashion Show Where: Lacoste, 248 King St. When: 6-7 p.m. Monday. Cost: Free. To kick off the Family Circle Cup in style, local models will showcase Lacoste's latest spring looks at the third annual runway show. Emceed by Brook Ryan of the 95SX "Two Girls and a Guy" morning show, the fashion show will include VIP seating and an introduction by Charleston Mayor Joe Riley, as well as music and giveaways. Celebrating its 75th anniversary, Lacoste is the official apparel sponsor of the Family Circle Cup. 'Winning in Doubles' Luncheon Where: Hospitality Tent (outside the stadium's southwest corner), Family Circle Tennis Center, 161 Seven Farms Dr., Daniel Island. When: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesday. Cost: $45. Call 800-677-2293 for tickets. If you're anything like me, your doubles game — and singles game, and serving and backhand and drop shot — could use some work. Join Sony Ericsson WTA Tour players to learn tips and advice on how to succeed in doubles. By the end of the luncheon, you'll be ready to take on Cara Black and Liezel Huber. (They won the women's doubles at the 2007 Wimbledon Championships.) 35th Anniversary Celebration Kickoff Where: Family Circle Tennis Center. When: 6 p.m. Tuesday Beginning with a performance by the Burke High School marching band and ending with the Family Circle Cup's first-ever fireworks display, the evening will be hosted by famed columnist and tennis commentator Bud Collins. Collins will introduce the 2008 player field, followed by a commemorative video that looks back at Family Circle Cup moments over the past 35 years. Autograph signings Where: Family Circle Tennis Center. When: After each match. Fans can get their favorite players' autographs after matches on the Family Circle Magazine Stadium Court. Match Point Market Where: Family Circle Tennis Center. When: Monday-April 20. Offering a variety of vendors, this boutique area allows you to squeeze in some shopping between matches. The market includes retailers Elizabeth Carlton Studio, Koko P Sport Jewelry, The Lantana Life, Base Line Boutiqe, Sassy's Gifts & Accessories and Theodosia Jewelry. Happy Hours, Night Matches Where: Family Circle Tennis Center. When: 5-7 p.m. April 18. Cost: $20. Unwind after work with drink specials at the Grand Lawn Bar and entertainment on the Jumbotron Stage. After a few drinks and some music, enjoy a game or two of tennis under the stars. By game, set, match, you'll be de-stressed and ready to ace another day. The Post and Courier's Girl's Night Out Where: Family Circle Tennis Center. When: Tuesday. Tell your mama, tell your sisters, tell your grandmothers, aunts and girlfriends: Tickets for Tuesday's evening matches are buy one get one free for the ladies. I know what you're thinking: What is girls' night at a tennis tournament without the prospect of ogling Andy Roddick? No need to worry. While there may not be any male athletes, there will be plenty of male spectators to explain to why that guy in the tall chair keeps yelling out 15-love. Terry Haas Autograph Session Where: Family Circle Tennis Center. When: 1-1:30 p.m. Wednesday. HGTV's "Designed to Sell" host Terry Haas helps people transform everyday spaces in their homes into fantastic living areas with strong buyer appeal. Haas will make her first Family Circle Cup appearance, signing autographs and answering questions. The Post and Courier's Family Night Where: Family Circle Tennis Center. When: 4-7 p.m. Wednesday. Cost: $10, children 16 and under accompanied by an adult get in free. Enjoy some fun on the court with autograph sessions, prize giveaways, competitions and much more. Evening matches begin at 7 p.m., when the family can sit back, relax and watch the best women's tennis players in the world compete for the cup. Cardio Tennis Demonstration Where: Family Circle Magazine Stadium at the Family Circle Tennis Center. When: Wednesday after the first night match. The Tennis Industry Association will show you how to get in shape with Cardio Tennis, a new group activity featuring drills to give players of all abilities an ultimate, high-energy workout. Center for Women Luncheon Where: Family Circle Sky Suite at the Family Circle Tennis Center. When: Noon-2 p.m. Thursday. Cost: $65 for members, $75 for nonmembers of the Center for Women. Spend a day session with a catered lunch in the Sky Suite. Guest Terry Haas of HGTV's "Designed to Sell" will share her home-selling secrets and give away her home-staging services to one winner at the luncheon. Price includes the luncheon buffet, an official tournament program and parking pass fees. The Center for Women is the official charity beneficiary for the 2008 tournament. Adaptive Tennis Demonstration Where: Althea Club Court at the Family Circle Tennis Center. When: After the third match April 17. This exhibition will feature Special Olympics athletes displaying a series of drills, skills and games. Family Circle/Wilhelmina Model Mother-Daughter Search Where: Hospitality Tent (on the south side of the stadium) at the Family Circle Tennis Center When: 5-7 p.m. April 18. Cost: $25 entry fee. Get discovered at the Family Circle Cup! Mothers and daughters (ages 8 and up) who have a great connection and a great look are invited to meet Wilhelmina casting agents and Family Circle representatives and get free gifts while entering to win a prize package including a five-year contract with Wilhelmina Models ($15,000 value), appearance in Family Circle Magazine, all-expense-paid trip to New York City for a photo shoot and judging, JC Penney shopping spree and more. 'Breakfast With Bud' where: AT&T Fan Zone at the Family Circle Tennis Center. When: 10-11 a.m. April 19. Listen as Bud Collins interviews a selection of former Family Circle Cup champions before the first serve of the day. Fans also will have the opportunity to participate in a question-and-answer session with Collins and the champions. Parade of Champions Where: Family Circle Tennis Center. When: After the first match April 19. Bud Collins is back, this time to formally introduce each champion in attendance, including Rosie Casals, titlist at the inaugural Family Circle Cup in 1973, Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Conchita Martinez, Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario, Mary Pierce and Iva Majoli. There also will be commemorative video presentations and special activities to honor the legends of the game.
Reach Abi Nicholas at 937-5524 or anicholas@postandcourier.com.
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