CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) -- Three-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova has committed to play the Family Circle Cup next April.
The tournament made the announcement Tuesday. Sharapova won Wimbledon in 2004, the U.S. Open in 2006 and the Australian Open in 2008. A former No. 1, Sharapova spent much of this past season recovering from a right shoulder injury. The 22-year-old Russian reached the French Open quarterfinals, her best showing at a Grand Slam event this year.
Sharapova first played in Charleston in 2003 as a 15-year-old qualifier. She also played in 2008, facing Serena Williams in quarterfinal match.
The clay-court event will be played from April 12-18 at the Family Circle Tennis Center on Daniel Island.
