Former world No.7 Patty Schnyder will play in her first WTA Tour tournament since the 2011 French Open after being awarded a wildcard for the upcoming Volvo Car Open in Charleston.
The 37-year-old made a surprise return to the tour last July at an ITF $25,000 tournament in Darmstadt, Germany. Playing on the lower level ITF tour since the summer, the Swiss player has won one title at a $10,000 event in Prague, Czech Republic. In December Schnyder reached the final at a $25,000 event in Bangkok before losing to Kaia Kanepi. The highest ranked player that she has defeated so far in her comeback is world No.186 Irina Khromacheva (Bangkok, 2015).
Currently ranked 455th in the world, Schnyder will play in the tournament for 16th time in her career, first since 2011. She was twice a runner-up in the event in 2002 and 2006. At the 2002 tournament she defeated the then world No.1, Jennifer Capriati, in the quarterfinals. The wildcard has rewarded her a place in the qualifying draw. Tournament director, Bob Moran, spoke of his delight about welcoming the Swiss player back to the event.
“Patty Schnyder has been playing in our tournament since before we relocated from Hilton Head Island. She’s a part of our family, and we are thrilled to welcome her back to our tournament.” Moran said.
Schnyder is one of four players who has received a wildcard into the qualifying tournament. Other recipients include Ellie Halbauer (USA), Raveena Kingsley (USA) and Laura Robson (GBR).
This year will be the 43rd edition of the event, which is categorized as a WTA Premier event. Five top-20 players have been confirmed for the green-clay event. Entrants include defending champion Angelique Kerber, Belinda Bencic and Venus Williams. The tournament will get underway on April 4th.
Patty Schnyder facts
Age: 37
WTA Titles: 11
Best Grand Slam performance: semifinalist at the 2004 Australian Open
Wins over reigning world No’1’s: Martina Hingis (1998) and Jennifer Capriati (2002).
Current career prize money: $8,425,258
