2013 Family Circle Cup - All Access Hour

Serena Williams interview at All Access Hour

Sabine Lisicki with her Yorkshire Terrier named Happy

The Family Circle Cup held a media session with eight of the women's tennis players at 1 p.m. on April 1 at the Daniel Island Club. Local TV media filmed interview segments and the WTA broadcast a one-hour live show on the Internet. Almost to a woman the tennis pros remarked how they loved the old city feel of Charleston, how they crave its phenomenal cuisine, and how nice all of the locals treat them; which are some of the global traits that Charleston bestows on all visitors. Delving deeper into life on the WTA tour the players agree to reveal much more such as Sam Stosur, the FCC champion in 2010. "At every competition I come up with a game plan with my coach," said Stosur. "Winning or losing the first set can bring out a range of emotions depending on the circumstances. If I need to I will make changes in my swing mid-set, and not let an entire set go by when I see a need to improve. My first trip to the FCC I was not ranked very high but I had a nice time. After winning here, or anywhere, you like to return to the tournament where the conditions were conducive for success, and the 2010 finals were maybe the best 9-game stretch of tennis I have ever played." Venus Williams withdrew from last weekend's tournament in Miami with a back injury, but showed up for the 2013 FCC saying that she is feeling ready to compete. "The draw is set up so that if I make it to the semis I get to play against my sister," said Williams. "I played well here in 2012 but just missed a similar matchup with Serena. Of course, I need to focus on advancing further and winning again too." Past Champ Caroline Wozniacki was a late addition to the 2013 FCC after receiving a wild card entry, and she was asked about her decision. "I decided to play an extra week since I am playing good tennis," said Wozniacki. "I am working on my serve return right now, and I feel more like a veteran of the WTA these days." Wozniacki shared that staying in the South this week also puts her closer to being with her beau Rory McIlroy in Augusta next week at The Masters. Special kudos to FCC tournament director Bob Moran for his help with All Access Hour and Arielle Alpino at Obviouslee Marketing.

To view past blog entries from the Family Circle Cup click here: 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009

Interviewer (left) and Lucie Safarova of Czech Republic

Bob Moran welcomes a first time attendee to the FCC