Former No. 1 Sharapova enters Family Circle Cup

Maria Sharapova, a three-time Grand Slam champion and former No. 1 player in the world, has entered the 2010 Family Circle Cup at Daniel Island. Sharapova is ranked No. 14 after a strong finish to the 2009 season, which included her 20th Sony Ericsson WTA Tour victory in Tokyo.

Sharapova made her first appearance in Charleston as a 15-year-old qualifier, reaching the first round of main draw play in 2003. She returned in 2008 as the tournament's No. 2 seed where she reached the quarterfinals opposite Serena Williams.

The 22-year-old Russian superstar owns a 336-79 career singles record, has amassed over $13 million in earnings and has notched Grand Slam titles on three different continents.

Sharapova was recovering from an injury to her right shoulder during the 2009 season but won at Tokyo, made it to the final in Toronto, advanced to the semifinals at Birmingham and Los Angeles and was in the quarterfinals at Warsaw, Roland Garros and Stanford.

"Competing on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour allows me to experience so many beautiful cities around the world, and Charleston is certainly one of my favorite places to visit. The fans at the tournament and throughout the city are always friendly and welcoming," Sharapova said. "I've played well at the Family Circle Cup in the past, and I look forward to competing in this historic tournament again."

Sharapova joins 18-year-old Melanie Oudin, who made a run to the 2009 U.S. Open quarterfinals, in the world class field.

The 2010 tournament is scheduled April 10-18 at the Family Circle Tennis Center on Daniel Island. Family Circle Cup ticket packages are on sale now, and individual ticket sales will begin in January. For ticket information, visit www.familycirclecup.com or call (843) 856-7900.