TheSportsCampus

Following the withdrawal of Maria Sharapova yesterday, the 2010 edition of the Family Circle Cup lost a couple of other big draws too as top seed Serena Williams and defending champion Sabine Lisicki both announced today that they will be pulling out of the event. Williams withdrew from the tournament due to a knee injury, while Lisicki continues to be troubled with her left ankle.

The Family Circle Cup is scheduled to begin later this week with a strong player field led by three Top 10 players including 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 really hoping my knee would heal in time to play the Family Circle Cup, as it's one of my favorite stops on the Tour," said Williams. "Unfortunately my knee has not fully healed in time and I am now looking forward to returning to the WTA Tour in Europe. I wish the tournament, players and fans a great week."

"Unfortunately, I won´t be able to defend my title. It´s heartbreaking for me to not be able to come back," commented Lisicki. "I´m sorry, but I hope to be back next year to get the great support in Charleston and win the nice trophy again."

"Serena and Sabine are great champions, and it's unfortunate they had to withdraw due to injuries," said Eleanor Adams, Family Circle Cup Tournament Manager. "We wish them the best of luck in making a quick return to the Tour."

Qualifying rounds for the event start on Friday the 9th of April, while the Main Draw will be announced at 4:30pm on Saturday.

File Photograph Copyright: Porsche Tennis Grand Prix