The Family Circle Cup, scheduled to take place between the 31st of March and the 1st of April just got a superstar boost in the form of former world number one Venus Williams who confirmed her participation in the event to be held on Daniel Island.

Samantha Stosur, the current world number five will defend her crown at the event and Russian beauty Vera Zvonareva will also be playing in the tournament but the addition of home favorite Venus to the event adds a much required star charisma to the event.

This will be the first time that Venus will play at the hard courts of Tennis Centre where she last played and won the title way back in 2004. Venus is hoping to get her form and fitness level up after returning to professional tennis in the Fed Cup tie against Belarus, having already missed the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year. Venus Williams is extremely excited about returning to the event after such a long gap and she couldn’t hide her happiness in the press meet where she said that she was extremely pleased to be back.

What makes Venus’s participation in the tournament all the more appealing is the fact the Original 9 will be felicitated and recognized for their contribution to the world of women’s tennis. Speaking about the recognition for the original 9, Venus said that it was a great gesture on part of the WTA because without these people, women’s professional tennis would not have scaled the heights it has over the years.

Not only was the American pleased at being able to play at the event, the hosts are also excited to have Venus Williams on board, which means that more and more people will line up to see the event.