2015 Family Circle Cup - Tennis Begins

Scheepers finishes her match on Court 4 with a WIN

Youth fans Alice Otis
with Somers and Trenton Kirk

In what can only be described as Chamber of Commerce weather - the 2015 Family Circle Cup (FCC) on Daniel Island began with 70 warm degrees and plentiful sunshine. The island lifestyle has always been a part of the FCC, even when I used to attend matches at Sea Pines on Hilton Head years ago, and that vibe was on full display on April 6. Palmetto trees swaying in the breeze, and lush flower beds that were under constant attention from FCC workers, and of course the bountiful bird life. The tournament is flaunting its international appeal this year by lining the palmetto trees along the I-526 exits with the flags of all the participating countries, which is a new addition for the 2015 FCC.

The top seeds were not playing tennis on Monday, but they were present and accounted for at the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) All Access Hour with the media. Top-seed Eugenia Bouchard was glad to take questions and explain why she hopes to win in Charleston, and one day at Wimbledon. Other top players were seen on practice courts sharpening their tennis skills, and they were gracious enough to sign autographs for some of the youth tennis fans that had gathered to watch them. The food court was cooking, the wine bar was open and everyone seemed to be having a fabulous Monday at the FCC.

Lauren Davis digs for a winner on Monday

Early tennis action saw Chanelle Scheepers of South Africa defeat Marina Erakovic of New Zealand on Court 4 for an appreciative crowd. These two played hard tennis for two hours and ten minutes in what looked more like a semifinal competition. Scheepers won 6-2, 2-6 and 6-4. Over on the Althea Gibson Court it was an all-American match with Lauren Davis defeating Grace Min, 6-7, 7-6 and 6-3. Mount Pleasant native Shelby Davis won her match on the FCC Stadium Court by defeating Silvia Soler-Espinosa of Spain. Monday tennis continued into the late afternoon, with Tuesday marking the first day of evening / night matches, so click here for the FCC schedule.

To view past blog entries from the Family Circle Cup click 2014 - 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010 - 2009.

The likeness of Defending Champ Petkovic towers