Legends to join Family Circle Cup event “40LOVE” – Tennis News
Some of the biggest names of women’s tennis, which include Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert and Billie Jean King will take part in the event “40LOVE” being held on the occasion of 40th Birthday of the Family Circle Cup.
Tracy Austin and Martina Hingis will join Evert and Navratilova for an exhibition match at the Family Circle stadium on 7th April.
King and Virginia Wade will take up the role of honorary coaches. From the men’s side, Jimmy Connors and Aaron Krickstein will feature at the event.
Family Circle Cup was first held in 1973. It is one of the oldest tournaments in women’s tennis. Rosemary Casals, who won the inaugural event, will be joining the evening.
The event that is being called "40LOVE: A Night of Empowerment Celebrating 40 Years of the Family Circle Cup” will give tribute to the nine players who laid the foundation of the women’s professional tennis. Those nine players,
who are known as The Original 9, include Billie Jean King, Judy Dalton, Nancy Richey, Kerry Melville, Peaches Bartkowicz, Kristy Pigeon, Valerie Ziegenfuss, Rosie Casals and Julie Heldman.
Family Circle Cup’s tournament director Bob Moran said, "This commemoration is designed to celebrate our 40th year in professional tennis and honor the incredible women who made it all possible with their courage and steadfast
determination for equality.”
He added, "The Original 9 served as a catalyst for change in not only women's tennis, but helped shift our country's attitude toward equality as a whole. I truly believe that this is an evening that should be experienced by every
generation from daughter to grandmother."
Nikki Haley, the Governor of South Carolina, will also attend the event.
Family Circle Cup, which is one of the 12 Premier-level tournaments on the WTA Tour, will be held from 31st March to 8th April at the Daniel Island in Charleston, USA.
Some of the top current players including Serena Williams, Venus Williams and Samantha Stosur have already confirmed their participation in this year’s tournament.
Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark defeated Russian Elena Vesnina in the final to capture the title at the last edition of the event in 2011.
Tags: