Stars Hit Downtown Charleston for Family Circle Cup Player Party
By: Nicholas McCarvel
The biggest stars of the WTA Tour descended on historic downtown Charleston Sunday night for the Family Circle Cup Player Party, presented by SunTrust.
Venus Williams, Caroline Wozniacki, Sam Stosur, Sloane Stepehens and more of the sport's most glamorous names walked the red carpet on North Market Street in front of local hotspot NV.
After walking the red carpet outside, players headed upstairs for tremendous Southern food provided by Duvall Catering & Event Design, a full-size candy bar (yum!), an interactive graffiti wall, dancing, spring crafts and plenty of relaxed fun.
Stephens, the No. 4 seed in Charleston, was first of many to strike a pose on the red carpet for photographers.
Above, American teenagers Grace Min and Vicky Duval had some fun with their photo opportunity, smiling and pointing at the cameras prior to the party.
Players could pick up the pictures of themselves on the red carpet upstairs in the party, printed neatly into photo album books.
Upstairs, 2004 champion Venus was spotted enjoying herself with party guests and a group of friends.
Players decorated bags while also making Easter-themed craft items, included spring flowers.
2011 winner Wozniacki, No. 8 seed Mona Barthel, 2009 champ Sabine Lisicki and Kristina Mladenovic won cameras during the party, which Lisicki later said was the first thing she'd ever won at a player party and planned to keep in her bag for photos during Charleston.
A digital screen also allowed players to make their own graffiti art, using faux spray paint and editing tools on photos of themselves.
From chocolate to sweets and gums, players and guests loaded up bags of candy for snacking both during and after the party. Elsewhere, a roaming local magician wowed the players with a series of tricks.