World No. 6 Venus Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam champion and 2004 Family Circle Cup titlist, has officially entered the 2009 Family Circle Cup.  Making her fourth appearance in Charleston, Williams boasts a 10-2 record at this event, including a semifinal appearance in 2007.  She joins World No. 1 Serena Williams and World No. 7 Vera Zvonareva in the 2009 Family Circle Cup player field as three Top 10 players are set to headline the Family Circle Cup, a Premier Event on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, scheduled April 11-19 at the Family Circle Tennis Center in Charleston, SC.

 "Venus Williams is one of the most talented players in professional tennis today.  She has enjoyed great success at this event and will certainly electrify the crowd in each match she plays," commented Eleanor Adams, Family Circle Cup Tournament Manager. "Venus has legions of fans in Charleston who are sure to come out and show their support for her as she vies for another Family Circle Cup championship."

Venus Williams’ stellar career continues to make an indelible mark on the world of women’s professional tennis.  With 39 singles titles, including seven Grand Slam championships, this 28-year-old former World No. 1 has notched 516 singles wins, nearly $22 million in career earnings, and won US Olympic Gold with her sister Serena in doubles at the 2000 and 2008 Olympic Games.  Venus spent nine years in the Top 10, including the 2008 season highlighted by her fifth Wimbledon singles championship and third Wimbledon doubles title, first Sony Ericsson Tour Championships title, and year-end World No. 6 ranking.

"I always enjoy coming to Charleston because it’s such a beautiful city," commented Venus Williams. "The Family Circle Cup is a great tournament, and I look forward to competing in this event."

In only three appearances in Charleston, Williams has accumulated an impressive 10-2 record and earned $201,775 in prize money, which ranks 18th on the tournament’s all-time money list.  While competing in Charleston, she has participated in many clinics and has made appearances at several charitable and community events.