A Grand Day for Grand Champions

What a glorious day it was during semifinal Saturday on Daniel Island at the 2008 Family Circle Cup. It was a day where the sun was shining, yet the stars were out. The stars were none other than past champions who once ruled the Cup’s green clay from the very first match on Hilton Head Island in 1973 to last year’s championships held here in Charleston.

This year, the Family Circle Cup was graced with the presence of legendary commentator, writer and Tennis Hall of Fame inductee, Bud Collins. Collins, who served as emcee for many events during the Cup, was there 35 years ago when Rosie Casals took the very first title and the check for an unheard of $30,000.

“I took the check and promptly purchased a Mercedes Benz that I still own today,” Casals said proudly.

Collins served as host of “Breakfast with Bud” held on the Grand Lawn early in the morning. The Grand Lawn, filled to capacity, was treated to one-on-one interviews conducted with Casals, Pam Shriver, as well as Spaniards Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario and Conchita Martinez.

Collins, with a flair for words and colorful pants, dazzled fans with his tennis knowledge as well as pertinent questions for his guests about the game of tennis today and yesteryear.

While Bud was dining with and entertaining the throngs on the Grand Lawn, eight-time Family Circle Cup champion Chris Evert happily signed autographs, posed for pictures and chatted with hundreds of fans for 45 minutes on the front steps of Family Circle Magazine Stadium.

Parade of Champions

Following Serena Williams’ semifinal victory over Alize Cornet on stadium court, the much anticipated Family Circle Cup 35th Anniversary Parade of Champions was held.

The Parade of Champions was followed by an emotional tribute to the grande dame of women’s professional tennis, Lee Jackson. Jackson, who passed away this past December, was honored for her contribution to women’s tennis for nearly 30 years.

Six of the most prominent champions were here to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Family Circle Cup including Rosie Casals, Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Arantxa Sanchez Vicario, Conchita Martinez and Jelena Jankovic. 

                    

Lee Jackson Tribute

Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario and an emotional Chris Evert spoke to the large stadium crowd on the life and legacy that Jackson left behind. Jackson was considered a surrogate mom to many of the women who paved the way for today’s tennis professionals. Evert touched upon the days when Jackson would prepare home cooked meals for the players after a days match.

“She taught us that even though we competed during the day, we could all be friends at night,” said Evert.

A special commemorative plaque was unveiled by Robin Reynolds, Family Circle Cup Tournament Director, which will be placed on the umpire chair on Family Circle Magazine Stadium for perpetuity. Reynolds read its inscription to the crowd, and noted its special significance in a touching moment felt by everyone in attendance.