Maria Sharapova Passes on Wildcard in Charleston

World No. 13 Maria Sharapova has rescinded her wild card entry, and will not appear in the 2011 Family Circle Cup.  The tournament continues to be highlighted by four Top 10 players including World No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki, World No. 5 Samantha Stosur, World No. 7 Jelena Jankovic, and World No. 10 Marion Bartoli, as well as former Cup champions Nadia Petrova and Sabine Lisicki.  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.

“Maria Sharapova is a superstar talent, and her presence in our player field will be missed by the tournament and the fans alike,” said Bob Moran, Family Circle Cup General Manager.  “We knew there was a chance she would withdraw depending on her performance in Miami when she accepted our wild card in January, and we congratulate Maria on her success at that event.  Despite the loss of one high profile competitor, our draw still boasts four of the Top 10 players in the world, as well as four Family Circle Cup champions and a host of other marquis players.”

Qualifying matches continue today and main draw action begins Monday.