The past two Charleston champions, Kerber and Petkvoic, return for the 2016

October 15, 2015

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Posted by TennisNews.com on October 15, 2015 in Tournament News

Angelique Kerber, the 2015 Family Circle Cup champion, and Andrea Petkvoic, the 2014 Family Circle Cup champion, will both return to Charleston for the inaugural Volvo Cars Open, April 2nd – 10th, 2016, on Daniel Island, S.C. The two top 20 players join Venus Williams and Madison Keys in a world-class player field forming for the 2016 tournament.

Kerber, currently ranked World No. 9, has won seven WTA titles, four of which she earned in 2015. After winning the Family Circle Cup, she went on to capture titles in Stuttgart, Birmingham and Stanford. She has made two previous appearances in Charleston, and holds a 7-1 win/loss record. As of October 2015, Kerber is on track to finish her fourth season in a row in the WTA Top 10.

“I am eager to play Charleston again next year,” said Angelique Kerber. “The 2015 tournament was a great week for me. I was happy with how I played, and everyone in Charleston was so friendly. I’m ready to be back and defend my title at the Volvo Cars Open.”

Fellow German countrywoman, Petkovic, currently ranked World No. 20, has made three previous appearances in Charleston and holds an 11-2 win/loss record. After winning the Family Circle Cup in 2014, she made the semifinals of the tournament the following year. Petkovic has six WTA titles, most recently winning in Bad Gastein and Sofia after Charleston in 2014, and Antwerp in 2015.

“Charleston holds a special place in my heart because it’s where I won my first ever Premier title,” said Petkovic. “It’s no secret that I love playing this tournament – the energy is relaxed, the fans are encouraging and the green clay really supports my game.”

“We are very excited to welcome back two former champions for our 2016 tournament,” said Eleanor Adams, Volvo Cars Open Tournament Manager. “Angie and Andrea have proven that they both play well here in Charleston, and I know each has made many new fans out of our attendees.”