World No.40 Patty Schnyder lost in the first round of the Family Circle Cup to Chanelle Scheepers 6-4 6-4, after saving nine match points, and will never again play in singles at the tournament which had been her mandatory stop for 15 successive years.
“I feel so good whenever I come to Charleston, but I don’t think I will be back as a player – maybe as a fan,” said the 32-year-old Schnyder.
Fellow blogger, Diane, visits Charleston every year and here’s how she explains the special love Charleston has for the Swiss player:
If you’ve never been to the Family Circle Cup, then it may be hard to appreciate how wild the crowd goes for Schnyder. Last year, there was quick, polite applause for Caroline Wozniacki when she beat Schnyder, then the crowd broke out in yells when Schnyder made her exit.
Interestingly, Scheepers lost to Schnyder last year in the first round of Charleston. Schnyder is still at the tournament, though, playing doubles with Shelby Rogers.
Schnyder’s best results in Charleston were finals in 2002 and 2006. In 2002 she lost to Iva Majoli and in 2006 to Nadia Petrova. (photo: © Neal Trousdale)
It’s a testament to her dedication to the tournament to have played there for 15 consecutive years, wish Patty had won the singles title at least once.
Let’s see if last year’s winner Stosur can defend her points. Kim and Serena didn’t play Charleston last year so they won’t lose any Points. Anybody else notice that Serena is back in the top 10 ranking?
Helen, yes I noticed it and tweeted about it. It’s funny, she hasn’t played in almost a year and she’s back in Top 10.
Does it mean that Patty will say goodbye to singles competition by the end of the year?
Maja J, I suppose Patty suggested that. Nothing else could be the case.