Madison Keys joins 2019 Volvo Car Open player field
Three Volvo Car Open standouts recently announced they will be returning to next year’s tournament, set to take place March 30 – April 7, 2019
American Madison Keys has joined the growing player field in the 2019 event on Daniel Island, along with U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens and Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki.
Keys’ 2018 season includes two semifinal Grand Slam finishes at the U.S. Open and French Open, and one quarterfinal Grand Slam finish at the Australian Open. In addition, she reached the semifinals at the Volvo Car Open and the quarterfinals at the Western & Southern Open. She was a finalist at the 2017 U.S. Open.
“Madison has become a huge fan favorite in Charleston,” said Eleanor Adams, Volvo Car Open tournament manager. “Her spirit on and off the court is contagious, and our fans have had the chance to watch her talents grow these last few years. We’re thrilled to welcome this tennis standout back to the Volvo Car Open.”
Keys has found success on the green clay in Charleston. Not only did the World No. 18 ranked player reach the semifinals of the Volvo Car Open in 2018, but she was also a finalist in 2015 and a quarterfinalist in 2013.
“I love playing the Volvo Car Open!,” said Keys, who will be playing her seventh consecutive Charleston tournament. “The fans are truly amazing and I have great memories from the tournament… I reached one of my first finals there. I always look forward to coming back.”
Caroline Wozniacki and Sloane Stephens are both past Volvo Car Open champions.
“Welcoming back two of our own champions is a great way to kick off the 2019 tournament,” said Adams. “Both Caroline and Sloane have had sensational seasons, and already having two Grand Slam champions in our field takes our competition to the next level. “We know our fans are in for a very special week in 2019!”
World No. 2 Wozniacki won the Australian Open, her first Grand Slam title, in January. The Dane also captured the title in Eastbourne and reached the finals in Auckland, semifinals in Doha and quarterfinals in St. Petersburg, Istanbul and Rome this year. In total, Wozniacki has 29 WTA career titles. She celebrated her ninth straight season with a top 20 finish in 2017.
Wozniacki holds a 16-4 win/loss record in Charleston. She’s found success on the Volvo Car Open’s green clay, capturing the title in 2011 and reaching the finals in 2009. The upcoming tournament will be her sixth time competing in Charleston.
“I’m excited to return to Charleston next year for the tournament,” said Wozniacki. “I always enjoy playing there and look forward to competing in front of the great crowds again. The fans make the tournament feel so special to me… I can really hear them and that always fuels me to play my best!”
Stephens, ranked World No. 9, won the 2017 U.S. Open following an 11-month hiatus from tennis due to a foot injury. She became the fifth unseeded women in the Open Era to win a major – just 69 days after returning to the sport and six weeks after her ranking had dropped to No. 957 in the world.
Her remarkable comeback continued during her 2018 season, where she captured the title in Miami and made the finals in Paris and Montreal. She recently reached the quarterfinals in the U.S. Open.
The American won the 2016 Volvo Car Open and has competed in Charleston six times. She holds a 6-5 win/loss record.
“I can’t wait to play in Charleston next year,” said Stephens. “I’ve been disappointed that injuries have kept me from competing in the Volvo Car Open the last two years. Charleston is one of my favorite cities, and I’m ready to finally return!”
For more information on the tournament and ticket options, visit volvocaropen.com or call (800) 677-2293.