- WTA Tour News Release

Top seed and world #1 Justine Henin-Hardenne and American Meghann Shaughnessy have been forced to withdraw from this week’s Family Circle Cup. 

Henin-Hardenne, the defending champion of the event is suffering from low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia), which is causing lightheadedness. Henin-Hardenne first felt the symptoms two weeks ago and will return to her home in Belgium for tests.  “I’m really disappointed I have to withdraw from the Family Circle Cup”, said Henin-Hardenne.  “It’s a tournament I like a lot and was looking forward to coming back here and playing.”  Justine had traveled to Charleston in hopes of playing but her condition has not improved.  “I have felt bad for two weeks now and that’s enough.  I will now go back home and do everything I have to do in order to get better. “

“Our first concern is for Justine to get better”, said Tournament Executive Director Frankie Whelan.  “She is such a great champion and I know how much she wanted to defend her title at the Family Circle Cup.  We wish her a speedy recovery and look forward to her being back in Charleston next year.”

Shaughnessy is ailing with a right ankle sprain, suffered during her doubles title win with partner Nadia Petrova last week at the Bausch & Lomb Championships in Amelia Island, Florida.

The Family Circle Cup still boasts one of the strongest fields of the year with Serena Williams, Jennifer Capriati, Venus Williams and Lindsay Davenport all competing.

Henin-Hardenne, coming off the best year of her career has a special fondness for the Charleston event.  “This tournament started everything that I accomplished last year.  It’s a great tournament, but it will be without me this year, and that’s tough for me.”

Both Henin-Hardenne and Shaughnessy’s places in the draw will be filled with Lucky Losers.  Henin-Hardenne’s next scheduled WTA Tour event is the German Open in Berlin, Germany.  Shaughnessy’s next event will also be the German Open.