CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Three-time Grand Slam Champion Maria Sharapova has committed to play in the 2011 Family Circle Cup in Charleston.
Tournament officials said Thursday that Sharapova joins Melanie Oudin (oo-DAN’) and defending champion Samantha Stosur as early entries at the WTA Tour event.
Sharapova, a former world No. 1 who is currently ranked No. 16, played in Charleston in 2003 and reached the quarterfinals in 2008. An elbow injury kept the 23-year-old Russian out of the tournament a year ago.
The tournament will be held April 2-10 at the Family Circle Tennis Center on Daniel Island.
