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Maria Sharapova has withdrawn from the Family Circle Cup due to continual recovery from an elbow injury which forced her to withdraw from the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami this year. The Family Circle Cup is scheduled to begin later this week with a strong player field led by four Top 10 players including World No. 1 and former Cup champion Serena Williams, World No. 2 Caroline Wozniacki, World No. 7 and former Cup Champion Jelena Jankovic, and World No. 9 Victoria Azarenka. The Family Circle Cup, a Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Premier Event, is scheduled April 10-18, 2010 at the Family Circle Tennis Center in Charleston, SC.

"I was looking forward to coming back to Charleston this year, as I always enjoy playing in front of the energetic fans and strolling around the town," commented Sharapova. "Unfortunately my elbow injury is not completely healed so I won't be able to compete in this year's Family Circle Cup. I look forward to returning next year and seeing all my fans in South Carolina."

"It's unfortunate that Maria was forced to withdraw due to injury, and we hope she makes a quick return to the Tour," said Eleanor Adams, Family Circle Cup Tournament Manager. "Despite the loss of one high profile competitor, our player field still boasts four of the Top 10 players in the world. Our fans are sure in for a treat as our draw also features four Family Circle Cup champions and a host of other marquis players about to arrive in Charleston."

Two former SMASH Jr. Cup winners, Mallory Cecil (2008) and Alison Riske (2009), as well as Bethanie Mattek-Sands, 2009 Family Circle Cup doubles champion, have been granted Main Draw Wild Cards.

"Mallory Cecil and Alison Riske are two very impressive newcomers on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, and the Family Circle Cup is very proud to recognize their achievements with Main Draw Wild Cards into this year's event," commented Eleanor Adams. "This tournament has a long tradition of supporting talented young American tennis players, and we hope their careers can benefit from entry into this Premier event."

File Photograph Copyright: Alexisrael